Hair cosmetic composition

ABSTRACT

The hair cosmetic composition of the present invention, which is a one-agent type or a multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition, contains, the following components (A) to (D):
         (A): a compound selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and a glyoxylamide;   (B): a phenolic compound having an electron-donating group on at least one m-position and having a hydrogen atom on at least one of the o-positions and the p-position, wherein the electron-donating group on the m-position may form, together with an adjacent carbon atom, a benzene ring optionally substituted with hydroxyl group(s);   (C): a thickening polymer, showing viscosity of 100 mPa·s or higher when measured as a 10 mass % aqueous solution, at 20° C., within at least a part of pH region of 4 or lower, and using a B-type viscometer; and   (D): water.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic composition which canshape hair semi-permanently or permanently.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, semi-permanent or permanent deforming of hair is carriedout through a technique such as using a reducing agent (e.g., permanentwaving) or using a strong alkaline hair treatment agent (pH: 12 to 14),typically an alkaline relaxer. These techniques, however, are well knownto considerably damage hair for a long period of time. In recent years,there has been developed a curly or frizzy hair straightening methodemploying a large amount of formaldehyde, as a method forsemi-permanently or permanently deforming hair with less hair damage.However, the method, employing highly toxic formaldehyde, must beperformed with care due to the high volatility of formaldehyde. Thus,the method is not a preferred hair treatment method.

For overcoming these drawbacks, there have been investigated suchtreatment methods which do not damage hair, which employ noformaldehyde, and which is more safe to the human body. For example,Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for straightening stronglycurled hair, which technique includes applying an α-keto acid,particularly glyoxylic acid, and heating the hair at 200° C.±50° C. bymeans of a flat iron. Patent Document 2 discloses a method ofcontinuously relaxing keratin fiber, the method including applying apolyhydroxyl aromatic compound to hair and heating the hair at 110° C.or higher. Patent Document 3 discloses that strongly frizzy hair can bestraightened by applying, to the hair, a composition containingglyoxylic acid and a thickener, and heating the hair by means of a flatiron. In this technique, fumes generated during heating with the flatiron can be drastically reduced.

Meanwhile, temporary hair deforming, in which the shaped hair can befreed by rinsing with water, is realized by use of a shaping agent. Forexample, Patent Document 4 discloses a hair use composition containingan oligomer produced through heat reflux of glyceraldehyde and resorcinin the presence of boric acid or silicic acid. The composition enhanceshair set retention performance and moisture resistance. When the userwets the hair, new shaping of the hair can be performed. In addition,mechanical strength of the hair can be enhanced.

-   Patent Document 1: EP-A-2538916-   Patent Document 2: JP-A-2009-537619-   Patent Document 3: WO2014/131469-   Patent Document 4: U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,659

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hair cosmetic composition, which is aone-agent type hair cosmetic composition composed of a single agent, ora multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition composed of multiple agent,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): one or more species selected from the group consisting of glyoxylicacid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and a glyoxylamide;

(B): a phenolic compound having an electron-donating group on at leastone m-position and having a hydrogen atom on at least one of theo-positions and the p-position, wherein the electron-donating group onthe m-position may form, together with an adjacent carbon atom, abenzene ring optionally substituted with hydroxyl group(s);

(C): a thickening polymer, showing viscosity of 100 mPa·s or higher whenmeasured as a 10 mass % aqueous solution, at 20° C., within at least apart of pH region of 4 or lower, using a B-type viscometer; and

(D): water.

The present invention further provides a method for the treatment ofhair, realizing semi-permanent or permanent deforming of hair, themethod comprising the following steps (i) and (ii);

(i) a step of applying the hair cosmetic composition to hair; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

When hair treatment is performed by use of any hair treatment agent asemployed in the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the haircannot be waved or curled semi-permanently or permanently, andsemi-permanent straightening is possible. Also, when the user wishes tochange the semi-permanently or permanently straightened hair to a newhair shape (e.g., wavy or curly) semi-permanently or permanently, aconventionally performed treatment employing a reducing agent isrequired. This conventional technique is very cumbersome andtime-consuming, and the treated hair is damaged.

The technique disclosed in Patent Document 4 employs an oligomer as ahair treatment agent, which can be washed off with water. Thus, the sethair shape is restored by repeated shampooing processes. In this sense,the hair deforming is not defined as semi-permanent or permanentdeforming.

The present inventors previously conceived that hair can be straightenedor provided with any shape such as curly or wavy semi-permanently, byapplying a hair cosmetic composition containing glyoxylic acid and aspecific phenolic compound and heating the hair. However, the hairtreatment method was found to have problems. Specifically, difficultywas encountered in releasing the deformed (e.g., curled or waved) hairfrom heating rods after heating treatment. Also, the thus-treated hairhad problematic touch feeling such as stiffness or stickiness duringrinsing of the hair.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed to a haircosmetic composition, which is safe to the human body and causes lessdamage to hair; which can semi-permanently or permanently straightenhair or impart a wavy shape or a curly shape to hair; which cansemi-permanently or permanently change the shaped hair shape to anotherhair shape in a simple way without using a hair cosmetic compositionsuch as a reducing agent and giving no damage to the hair; and whichrealizes easy release of the deformed hair from heating rods afterheating treatment and prevents stickiness during rinsing of the hair.

The present inventors have found the following. Specifically, a haircosmetic composition containing glyoxylic acid and a specific phenoliccompound can semi-permanently straighten hair or impart a curly shape ofa wavy shape to the hair; and can change the hair shape to any shapedifferent therefrom only by means of heating means such as a hair ironor a curler without performing a treatment by use of a hair treatmentagent such as a reducing agent, when the hair has been treated with thehair treatment of the hair cosmetic composition. Furthermore, throughaddition of a specific thickening polymer to the aforementioned haircosmetic composition, evaporation of water from the hair cosmeticcomposition is suppressed, whereby the treated hair can be readilyremoved from heating rods without providing problematic touch feelingsuch as stiffness or stickiness during rinsing of the hair. The presentinvention has been accomplished on the basis of these findings.

As used herein, the expression “deforming of hair semi-permanently orpermanently” refers to the shape of hair being maintained after repeatedshampooing processes (i.e., with excellent shampooing resistance). Morespecifically, the expression and an equivalent expression refer to, whenthe deformed hair is washed with a shampoo, sufficiently rinsed off withwater, and naturally dried, the shape of the hair is unchanged beforeand after shampooing. Notably, the expression “the shape of hair is notchanged” refers to no substantial change in the number of waves of wavyhair before and after shampooing, or no substantial generation of wavyhair or curled hair after shampooing straight hair.

As used herein, the term “deforming of hair (or hair deforming)” refersto a change in shape of a hair shaft via no scission or recombination ofS—S bonds of a hair-component protein, and includes a change fromstraight hair to curly hair or the like, and a change from wavy hair,curly hair, or the like as well as naturally frizzy hair or the like tostraight hair.

The hair cosmetic composition of the present invention encompasses aone-agent type hair cosmetic composition composed of a single agent, anda multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition composed of multiple agents(e.g., a 2-agent hair cosmetic composition). The multi-agent type haircosmetic composition is categorized into a single-applicationcomposition, which is applied to hair after mixing a first agent, asecond agent, and other components, and a successive-applicationcomposition, whose first agent, second agent, and the like issuccessively applied to hair.

As used herein, the term “the total hair cosmetic composition” refersto, in the case of a one-agent type hair cosmetic composition, thesingle agent forming the one-agent type hair cosmetic composition, andin the case of a single application multi-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition, a mixture containing all the compositions forming themulti-agent type hair cosmetic composition, at such compositionalproportions that fall within the scope of the present invention, withthe compositions being mixed before application of hair. In the case ofa successive application multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition,which is not an actual mixture before application, “the total haircosmetic composition” refers to a conceptual mixture containing all thecompositions forming the multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition, atsuch compositional proportions that fall within the scope of the presentinvention.

[Component (A): glyoxylic acid, glyoxylic acid hydrate, glyoxylate salt,or a glyoxylamide]

Component (A) includes any of glyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate,a glyoxylate salt, and a glyoxylamide. Examples of the glyoxylic acidhydrate include glyoxylic acid monohydrate. Examples of the glyoxylatesalt include an alkali metal glyoxylate and an alkaline earth metalglyoxylate. Examples of the alkali metal include lithium, sodium, andpotassium, and examples of the alkaline earth metal include magnesiumand calcium. Examples of the glyoxylamide includeN-glyoxyloylcarbocysteine and N-glyoxyloylkeratinamino acid.

From the viewpoints of enhancing effect for deforming the shape of hairof the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention, furtherenhancing resistance of the hair shape against shampooing, furtherenhancing the re-deforming effect of the hair which has beensemi-permanently deformed via heating, and further enhancing theresistance to shampooing after re-deforming of the hair, the haircosmetic composition of the present invention preferably has a component(A) content, relative to the total composition of the hair cosmeticcomposition and in terms of glyoxylic acid, of 1.0 mass % or higher,more preferably 2.0 mass % or higher, still more preferably 2.5 mass %or higher, yet more preferably 3.0 mass % or higher. In addition to theaforementioned viewpoints, from a further viewpoint of suppressingirritation to the skin, the component (A) content is preferably 30 mass% or lower, more preferably 25 mass % or lower, still more preferably 20mass % or lower, yet more preferably 15 mass % or lower, further morepreferably 12 mass % or lower.

[Component (B): Phenolic Compound Having a Specific Structure]

Component (B) is a phenolic compound having an electron-donating groupon at least one m-position (preferably on two m-positions) and having ahydrogen atom on at least one of the o-positions and the p-position. Theelectron-donating group on the m-position may form, together with anadjacent carbon atom, a benzene ring which may be further substitutedwith hydroxyl group(s). From the viewpoint of permeability to hair, themolecular weight of component (B) is preferably 100 or higher, morepreferably 110 or higher, and 1,000 or lower, more preferably 700 orlower, still more preferably 500 or lower. Examples of the phenoliccompound of component (B) include the following components (B1), (B2),and (B3):

(B1) resorcin;(B2) a compound represented by formula (1); and(B3) a compound represented by formula (2).

Component (B1) is a resorcin, represented by the following formula.

Component (B2) is a compound represented by formula (1):

wherein:

R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

A¹ and A², which may be identical to or different from each other, eachrepresent a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chainalkyl or alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl orarylalkenyl group, a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy oralkenyloxy group, a halogen atom, or —CO—R² (wherein R² represents a C1to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, anoptionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl or arylalkenyl group, or anoptionally substituted C6 to C12 aromatic hydrocarbon group);

B represents a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chainalkyl or alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl orarylalkenyl group, or —OR³ or —COOR³ (wherein R³ represents a hydrogenatom or a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup);

D represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, or a C1to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxy group; and

E represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C6 linear-chainor branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or a C1 to C6 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxy group,

wherein two or three of A¹, A², B, and E each are a hydrogen atom, witheach of remaining being a group which is not a sulfo group, and in thecase where D is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, A¹ and B, or A² and Bform an optionally hydroxyl group-substituted benzene ring with twoadjacent carbon atoms.

In the case where the aralkyl group, the arylalkenyl group, or thearomatic hydrocarbon group in represented by formula (1) have asubstituent, examples of the substituent include a hydroxyl group, a C1to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, and a C1 toC12 alkoxy group. The number of carbon atoms (Cn) of the aralkyl group,the arylalkenyl group, or the aromatic hydrocarbon group refers to thetotal number of the carbon atoms including those forming thesubstituents.

Examples of the C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup of R³ or E include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl,1-methylpentyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, vinyl, allyl, butenyl, and hexenyl.

Examples of the C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy oralkenyloxy group of A¹, A², or E include groups in which theaforementioned C1 to C6 alkyl or alkenyl group to which an oxygen atomis bonded.

Examples of the C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl oralkenyl group in A¹, A², R², and B include the aforementioned C1 to C6alkyl or alkenyl groups, n-heptyl, 2,4-dimethylpentyl, 1-n-propylbutyl,n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, 1-methylnonyl, n-decyl,3,7-dimethyloctyl, 2-isopropyl-5-methylhexyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, anddecenyl.

Examples of the C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy oralkenyloxy group of D include groups formed of the aforementioned C1 toC12 alkyl or alkenyl group to which an oxygen atom is bound.

Examples of the optionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl or arylalkenylgroup of A¹, A², R², and B include benzyl, hydroxybenzyl,dihydroxybenzyl, phenylethyl, phenylethenyl, hydroxyphenylethyl,dihydroxyphenylethyl, hydroxyphenylethenyl, dihydroxyphenylethenyl,phenylpropyl, phenylpropenyl, phenylbutyl, phenylbutenyl, phenylpentyl,phenylpentenyl, phenylhexyl, and phenylhexenyl.

Examples of the optionally substituted C6 to C12 aromatic hydrocarbongroup of R² include phenyl, hydroxyphenyl, dihydroxyphenyl,trihydroxyphenyl, naphthyl, hydroxynaphthyl, and dihydroxynaphthyl.

Examples of the halogen atom of A¹ and A² include fluorine, chlorine,and bromine.

Specific examples of the compound represented by formula (1) include aresorcin derivative represented by formula (1-1), a benzophenonederivative represented by formula (1-2), and a naphthol derivativerepresented by formula (1-3-a) or (1-3-b), which are shown in thefollowing.

wherein R¹, A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above, and D¹ represents ahydroxyl group or a methoxy group

wherein R¹ has the same meaning as defined above; D² represents ahydroxyl group or a C1 to C12 alkoxy group; G represents a hydroxylgroup, a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group,or a C1 to C6 alkoxy group; and n is an integer of 0 to 2

wherein R¹, A², E, D, G, and n are defined as above.

wherein R¹, A¹, E, D, G, and n are defined as above.

The compound represented by formula (1-1) is preferably any of thecompounds (1-1-1) to (1-1-3)

(1-1-1) m-Dimethoxybenzene Derivative Represented by the FollowingFormula (1-1-1)

wherein A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above.

Each of A¹ and A² is preferably a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C4 linear-chainor a branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a hydrogenatom.

B is preferably a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C4 alkyl or alkenyl group, anoptionally substituted C7 to C10 arylalkenyl group, or a hydroxyl group,more preferably a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C7 to C10arylalkenyl group, or a hydroxyl group.

E is preferably a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C4 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom.

Examples of the compound (1-1-1) include 1,3-dimethoxybenzene,3,5-dimethoxyphenol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, and5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene (trivial name:pterostilbene).

(1-1-2) m-Methoxyphenol Derivative Represented by the Following Formula(1-1-2)

wherein A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above.

Each of A¹ and A² is preferably a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or an optionallysubstituted C7 to C12 aralkyl or arylalkenyl group, more preferably ahydrogen atom, a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl group, oran optionally substituted C7 to C10 arylalkenyl group.

B is preferably a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C7 toC12 aralkyl or arylalkenyl group, or —OR³ (wherein R³ is a hydrogen atomor a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group),more preferably a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C4 alkyl or alkenyl group, anoptionally substituted C7 to C10 arylalkenyl group, or a hydroxyl group,still more preferably a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C7 toC10 arylalkenyl group, or a hydroxyl group.

E is preferably a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C4linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or a C1 to C4linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxy group, morepreferably a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group.

Examples of the compound (1-1-2) include 3-methoxyphenol,5-methoxyresorcin, 3-methoxybenzene-1,2-diol, 4-butyl-3-methoxyphenol,3-methoxy-4-(1-phenylethyl)phenol, and5-(4-hydroxyphenylethenyl)-1-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzene (trivial name:pinostilbene).

(1-1-3) Resorcin Derivative Represented by the Following Formula (1-1-3)

wherein A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above.

Examples of the resorcin derivative represented by formula (1-1-3)include the resorcin derivatives represented by the following formula(i) or (ii).

wherein A¹, A², and B are defined as above; E¹ represents a hydroxylgroup, a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group,or a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxy group.

Each of A¹ and A² is preferably a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C12linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably ahydrogen atom.

B is preferably a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C7 to C12aralkyl or arylalkenyl group, or —OR³ (wherein R³ is a hydrogen atom ora C1 to C4 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group).

E¹ is preferably a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C4 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or a C1 to C4 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxy group.

Examples of the resorcin derivative represented by formula (i) include2-alkylresorcins such as 2-methylresorcin, 2-ethylresorcin, and2-propylresorcin; pyrogallol; 2-alkoxyresorcins such as2-methoxyresorcin; gallate esters such as gallic acid, methyl gallate,ethyl gallate, propyl gallate, and butyl gallate; and5-(phenylethenyl)-2-isopropylresorcin.

wherein A¹, A², and B are defined as above.

The resorcin derivative represented by formula (ii) is more preferablyresorcin derivatives represented by formula (ii-1) or (ii-2).

wherein A¹ and A² are defined as above.

Examples of the resorcin derivative represented by formula (ii-1)include

4-alkylresorcins such as 4-methylresorcin, 4-ethylresorcin,4-propylresorcin, 4-isopropylresorcin, 4-butylresorcin (trivial name:rucinol), 4-isobutylresorcin, 4-sec-butylresorcin, 4-tert-butylresorcin,4-pentylresorcin, 4-isopentylresorcin, 4-sec-pentylresorcin,4-tert-pentylresorcin, 4-neopentylresorcin, 4-hexylresorcin,4-isohexylresorcin, 4-heptylresorcin, 4-octylresorcin,4-(2-ethylhexyl)resorcin, 4-nonylresorcin, 4-decylresorcin,4-undecylresorcin, and 4-dodecylresorcin;

4-alkenylresorcins such as 4-vinylresorcin, 4-allylresorcin,4-butenylresorcin, 4-hexenylresorcin, and 4-decenylresorcin;

4-aralkylresorcins such as 4-benzylresorcin, 4-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin(trivial name: Symwhite 377), 4-furanylethylresorcin,4-tetrahydropyranylresorcin,4-(2-phenylethyl)resorcin, and4-(3-phenylpropyl)resorcin;

4-hydroxyaralkylresorcins such as 4-(4-hydroxybenzyl)resorcin,4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzyl)resorcin, 4-(4-hydroxyphenylethyl)resorcin, and4-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylethyl)resorcin;

4-arylalkenylresorcins such as 4-(1-phenylethenyl)resorcin and4-(3-phenylpropenyl)resorcin;

4-hydroxyarylalkenylresorcins such as 4-(4-hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcinand 4-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin;

4-(1-methylnaphthyl)resorcin;

4-alkoxyresorcins such as 4-methoxyresorcin, 4-ethoxyresorcin,4-isopropoxyresorcin, 4-propoxyresorcin, 4-butoxyresorcin,4-sec-butoxyresorcin, 4-tert-butoxyresorcin, and 4-pentoxyresorcin;

haloresorcins such as 4-chlororesorcin and 4-bromoresorcin;

4-alkanoylresorcins such as 4-acetylresorcin, 4-propanoylresorcin,4-butanoylresorcin, 4-pentanoylresorcin, and 4-hexanoylresorcin; and

4-arylalkanoylresorcins such as 4-phenylethanoylresorcin,4-phenylpropanoylresorcin, 4-phenylbutanoylresorcin,4-phenylpentanoylresorcin, 4-phenylhexanoylresorcin,3-(hydroxyphenyl)-1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propen-1-one (trivial name:isoliquiritigenin).

Among these, from the viewpoint of obtaining more remarkable change ofthe shape of hair after the treatment using the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention, improving shampooing resistance ofshaped hair, obtaining more remarkable change of the shape of hairduring semipermanent re-deforming of the shape of hair by heating, andimproving shampooing resistance of shaped hair after re-deforming of theshape of hair by means of condensate of component (A) and component (B)formed in the hair, one or more member selected from the groupconsisting of 4-alkylresorcin, 4-aralkylresorcin and 4-halogenatedresorcin is preferable, and one or more member selected from the groupconsisting of 4-hexylresorcin, Rucinol, Symwhite and 4-chlororesorcin ismore preferable.

wherein A¹ and A² are defined as above; B¹ represents a C1 to C12linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, an optionallysubstituted C7 to C12 aralkyl or arylalkenyl group, or —OR³ or —COOR³(wherein R³ represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C6 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group)]

The resorcin derivative represented by formula (ii-2) is more preferablyresorcin derivatives represented by formula (ii-2-a) or (ii-2-b).

wherein B¹ has the same meaning as defined above.

Examples of the resorcin derivative represented by formula (ii-2-a)include

5-alkylresorcins such as 5-methylresorcin, 5-ethylresorcin,5-propylresorcin, 5-isopropylresorcin, 5-butylresorcin,5-isobutylresorcin, 5-sec-butylresorcin, 5-tert-butylresorcin,5-pentylresorcin (trivial name: olivetol), 5-isopentylresorcin,5-neopentylresorcin, 5-hexylresorcin, 5-isohexylresorcin,5-heptylresorcin, 5-octylresorcin, 5-(2-ethylhexyl)resorcin,5-nonylresorcin, 5-decylresorcin, 5-undecylresorcin, and5-dodecylresorcin;

5-alkenylresorcins such as 5-vinylresorcin, 5-allylresorcin,5-butenylresorcin, 5-hexenylresorcin, and 5-decenylresorcin;

phloroglucinol;

5-alkoxybenzene-1,3-diols such as 5-ethoxybenzene-1,3-diol,5-propoxybenzene-1,3-diol, and 5-butoxybenzene-1,3-diol;

3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid;

3,5-dihydroxybenzoate esters such as methyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, ethyl3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, propyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, butyl3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, pentyl 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, and hexyl3,5-dihydroxybenzoate;

5-aralkylresorcins such as 5-benzylresorcin, 5-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin,5-(2-phenylethyl)resorcin, and 5-(phenylpropyl)resorcin;

5-hydroxyaralkylresorcins such as 5-(4-hydroxybenzyl)resorcin,5-(2,4-dihydroxybenzyl)resorcin, 5-(hydroxyphenylethyl)resorcin (trivialname: dihydroresveratrol), and 5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylethyl)resorcin;

5-arylalkenylresorcins such as 5-(phenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name:pinosylvin) and 5-(phenylpropenyl)resorcin; and

5-hydroxyarylalkenylresorcins such as 5-(4-hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin(trivial name: resveratrol), 5-(4-methoxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivialname: 4-methoxyresveratrol), 5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin(trivial name: oxyresveratrol),5-(2-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name:gnetucleistol D), 5-(3,4-dimethoxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name:gnetucleistol E), 5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivialname: rhapontigenin), 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethenyl)resorcin(trivial name: isorhapontigenin), and 5-(dihydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin(trivial name: piceatannol).

wherein A¹, A², and B¹ are defined as above.

Each of A¹ and A² is preferably a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C4 linear-chainor branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or a C1 to C4 alkoxy oralkenyloxy group.

Examples of the resorcin derivative represented by formula (ii-2-b)include

2-alkylbenzene-1,3,5-triols such as 2-methylbenzene-1,3,5-triol,2-ethylbenzene-1,3,5-triol, 2-propylbenzene-1,3,5-triol,2-butylbenzene-1,3,5-triol, 2-hexylbenzene-1,3,5-triol,2-octylbenzene-1,3,5-triol, and 2-dodecylbenzene-1,3,5-triol;

2-aralkyl-1,3,5-triols such as 2-benzylbenzene-1,3,5-triol,2-(phenylethyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol, and2-(phenylpropyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol;

2,4,6-trihydroxyphenylaralkylketone such as 2-acetylbenzene-1,3,5-triol,2-propanoylbenzene-1,3,5-triol, 2-butanoylbenzene-1,3,5-triol,2-phenylethanoylbenzene-1,3,5-triol,2-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)ethan-1-one,3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propan-1-one (trivial name:phloretin), 4-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)butan-1-one,2-benzoylbenzene-1,3,5-triol, 2-(hydroxybenzoyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol,2-(3,5-dihydroxybenzoyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol, and2-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol; and

3,5-dihydroxybenzoate esters such as 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid,methyl 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzoate, 3,5-dihydroxy-2-ethylbenzoicacid, methyl 3,5-dihydroxy-2-ethylbenzoate,3,5-dihydroxy-2-propylbenzoic acid, methyl3,5-dihydroxy-2-propylbenzoate, 3,5-dihydroxy-2-butylbenzoic acid, andmethyl 3,5-dihydroxy-2-butylbenzoate.

Examples of the benzophenone derivative represented by formula (1-2)include 4-benzoylresorcin (trivial name: Benzophenone-1),4-(hydroxybenzoyl)resorcin, 4-(dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin,4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin (trivial name: Benzophenone-2),4-(methylbenzoyl)resorcin, 4-(ethylbenzoyl)resorcin,4-(dimethylbenzoyl)resorcin, 4-(diethylbenzoyl)resorcin,4-naphthoylresorcin, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (trivial name:Benzophenone-3), 2,2′-dihydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxybenzophenone (trivialname: Benzophenone-6), 2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (trivialname: Benzophenone-8), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4′-methylbenzophenone(trivial name: Benzophenone-10), and 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone(trivial name: Benzophenone-12).

Among the naphthol derivatives represented by formula (1-3-a) or(1-3-b), preferred are those represented by formula (1-3-a) or (1-3-b)in which R¹ is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C4 alkyl or alkenyl group,with a hydrogen atom being more preferred.

Also, in the above naphthol derivatives, each of A¹ and A² is preferablya hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C4 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkyl group, or a C1 to C4 alkoxy group, more preferablya hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group.

Also, in the above naphthol derivatives, D is preferably a hydrogenatom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C4 linear-chain or branched-chain alkylgroup, or a C1 to C4 alkoxy group.

Also, in the above naphthol derivatives, E is preferably a hydrogenatom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C4 alkyl group, or a C1 to C4 alkoxygroup.

Examples of the above compounds include 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol,3-methylnaphthalen-1-ol, naphthalene-1,4-diol, naphthalene-1,5-diol, andnaphthalene-1,8-diol.

Among the compounds represented by formula (1), preferred arem-dimethoxybenzene derivatives represented by formula (1-1-1), resorcinderivatives represented by formula (1-1-3), benzophenone derivativesrepresented by formula (1-2), and naphthol derivative represented byformula (1-3-a) or (1-3-b). More preferred compounds are2-methylresorcin, 4-chlororesorcin, 4-alkylresorcin, 4-aralkylresorcin,4-acylated resorcin, 5-alkylresorcin, 5-aralkylresorcin,5-hydroxyarylalkenylresorcin, 2,4,6-trihydroxyphenylaralkylketone,gallic acid, and a gallate ester. Still more preferred compounds are4-butylresorcin (trivial name: rucinol), 4-hexylresorcin,4-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin (trivial name: Symwhite 377),4-furanylethylresorcin, 4-tetrahydropyranylresorcin,5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name: resveratrol),3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propan-1-one (trivial name:phloretin), 4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin (trivial name:Benzophenone-2), 5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene (trivialname: pterostilbene), and 1-naphthol. Yet more preferred compounds are2-methylresorcin, 4-chlororesorcin, 1-naphthol, 4-n-butylresorcin,4-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin, 5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin,3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propan-1-one, and4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin.

In addition, among the compound represented by general formula (1),obtaining more remarkable change of the shape of hair after thetreatment using the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention,as well as improving restoration of damaged hair damaged by chemicaltreatment, by means of condensate of component (A) and component (B)formed in the hair, one or more member selected from the groupconsisting of m-dimethoxybenzene derivatives represented by generalformula (1-1-1), resorcin derivatives represented by general formula(1-1-3), benzophenone derivatives represented by general formula (1-2),and naphthol derivatives represented by general formula (1-3-a) or(1-3-b) is preferable.

Furthermore, one or more member selected from the group consisting of2-alkylresorcin, 4-alkylresorcin, 4-aralkyl resorcin, 4-halogenatedresorcin, 5-hydroxyarylalkenylresorcin,2,4,6-trihydroxyphenylaralkylketone, benzophenone derivative, naphthol,4-acylated resorcin, 5-alkylresorcin, 5-aralkylresorcin, gallic acid andgallic acid ester is preferable.

Furthermore, one or more member selected from the group consisting of2-methylresorcin, 4-butylresorcin (trivial name: Rucinol),4-hexylresorcin, 4-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin (trivial name: Symwhite377),4-chlororesorcin, 5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name:resveratrol), 5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene (trivialname: Pterostilbene),3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propane-1-on (trivial name:Phloretin), 4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin (trivial name:Benzophenone-2) and 1-naphthol is preferable.

The compound represented by formula (1) preferably has a molecularweight of 120 or higher, and from the viewpoint of permeability to hair,1,000 or lower, more preferably 500 or lower, still more preferably 300or lower.

Component (B3) is a compound represented by the following formula (2).

wherein,

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

X represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group;

Y represents a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a hydroxyl group, or amethoxy group;

Z represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group;

R^(x) represents a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a hydroxyl group, amethoxy group, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substitutedwith 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and which optionally formsa condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane;

R^(y) represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methoxy group, anaromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxylgroups or methoxy groups and which optionally forms a condensed ringwith 1,3-dioxolane, or an arylcarbonyloxy or aralkylcarbonyloxy groupwhich may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups;

a dotted line portion may be a double bond;

each of the combinations of the dotted line and the solid line beingadjacent to R^(x) or Y denotes a double bond in the case where R^(x) orY is an oxygen atom, and denotes a single bond in the other cases; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x) or R^(y) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbongroup, and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

Examples of the C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup of Z include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl,tert-pentyl, neopentyl, 1-methylpentyl, vinyl, allyl, and butenyl.

Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group of R^(x) or R^(y) includephenyl and naphthyl. Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group whichforms a condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane include 1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylgroup.

Examples of the arylcarbonyloxy group of R^(y) include a benzoyloxygroup, and examples of the aralkylcarbonyloxy group of R^(y) include abenzylcarbonyloxy group, a phenylethylcarbonyloxy group, aphenylpropylcarbonyloxy group, and a phenylbutylcarbonyloxy group.

Specific examples of the compound represented by formula (2) includecompounds represented by the following formulas (2-1) to (2-5).

(2-1) Flavanols Represented by the Following Formula (2-1)

wherein

R⁴ and X are defined as above;

Y¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group;

R^(x1) represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substitutedwith 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and which optionally formsa condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane; and

R^(y1) represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methoxy group, anaromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxylgroups or methoxy groups and which optionally forms a condensed ringwith 1,3-dioxolane, or an arylcarbonyloxy or aralkylcarbonyloxy groupwhich may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups

(2-2) Flavanones or Flavanonol Represented by the Following Formula(2-2)

wherein R⁴, X, Z, and R^(x1) are defined as above, and R^(y2) representsa hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

(2-3) Flavanones or Flavanonol Represented by the Following Formula(2-3)

wherein R⁴, X, Z, R^(x1), and R^(y2) are defined as above. Z is a C1 toC5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, only whenR^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group. In the othercases, Z is a hydrogen atom.]

(2-4) Isoflavons and Isoflavans Represented by the Following Formula(2-4)

wherein

R⁴, X, Z, and the dotted line are defined as above;

Y² represents a hydrogen atom or an oxygen atom;

R^(x2) represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group;

R^(y3) represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substitutedwith 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and which optionally formsa condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane;

the combination of the dotted line and the solid line being adjacent toY² denotes a double bond in the case where Y² is an oxygen atom, anddenotes a single bond in the other cases; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(y3) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

(2-5) Coumarins Represented by Formula (2-5)

wherein R⁴ and X are defined as above.

The compound (2-1) is preferably compound represented by the followingformula (2-1-A) to (2-1-C).

(2-1-A) Flavan-3-ols Represented by the Following Formula (2-1-A)

wherein R⁴, X, and R^(x1) are defined as above; R^(y11) represents ahydroxyl group, a methoxy group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group which maybe substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and whichoptionally forms a condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane, or anarylcarbonyloxy or aralkylcarbonyloxy group which may be substitutedwith 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups

The flavan-3-ols represented by formula (2-1-A) are preferably those inwhich R⁴ and X are the same as defined above; R^(x1) is an aromatichydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groupsor methoxy groups; R^(y1) is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, amethoxy group, or an arylcarbonyloxy or aralkylcarbonyloxy group whichmay be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups.

Examples of the compound of (2-1-A) include catechin, epicatechin,epigallocatechin, meciadanol, afzelechin, epiafzelechin, catechingallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, phylloflavan,fisetinidol, guibourtinidol, and robinetinidol.

(2-1-B) Flavan-4-ols Represented by the Following Formula (2-1-B)

wherein R⁴, X, and R^(x1) are defined as above, and Y¹¹ represents ahydroxyl group or a methoxy group.

The flavan-4-ol represented by formula (2-1-B) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and X are defined as above, Y¹¹ is a hydroxyl group, andR^(x1) is an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups.

Examples of the compound of (2-1-B) include apiforol and luteoforol.

(2-1-C) Flavan-3,4-Diols Represented by the Following Formula (2-1-C)

wherein R⁴, X, Y¹¹, R^(x1), and R^(y1) are defined as above.

The flavane-3,4-diol represented by formula (2-1-C) is preferably acompound wherein R⁴ and X are defined as above; Y¹¹ is a hydroxyl groupor a methoxy group; R^(x1) is an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may besubstituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups; and R^(y1) isa hydroxyl group or a methoxy group.

Examples of the compound of (2-1-C) include leucocyanidin,leucodelphinidin, leucopelargonidin, leucopeonidin, andleucofisetinidin.

The compound of (2-2) is preferably any of the compounds represented bythe following formula (2-2-A) or (2-2-B).

(2-2-A) Flavanones Represented by the Following Formula (2-2-A)

wherein R⁴, X, Z, and R^(x1) are defined as above, and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

The flavanone represented by formula (2-2-A) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and X are defined as above; Z is a hydrogen atom; and R^(x1)is an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups; and R^(y1) is a hydroxyl group or amethoxy group.

Examples of the compound of (2-2-A) include eriodictyol, naringenin,pinocembrin, hesperetin, homoeriodictyol, isosakuranetin, sterubin,sakuranetin, alpinetin, and butin.

(2-2-B) Flavanonols Represented by the Following Formula (2-2-B)

wherein R⁴, X, Z, and R^(x1) are defined as above; R^(y21) represents ahydroxyl group or a methoxy group;

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

The flavanonol represented by formula (2-2-B) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and X are defined as above; Z is a hydrogen atom; R^(x1) isan aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups; and R^(y1) is a hydroxyl group or amethoxy group.

Examples of the compound of (2-2-B) include aromadendrin, taxifolin, anddihydrokaempferide.

The compound of (2-3) is preferably any of the compounds represented bythe following formula (2-3-A) or (2-3-B).

(2-3-A) Flavones Represented by the Following Formula (2-3-A)

wherein R⁴, X, Z, and R^(x1) are defined as above; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

The flavone represented by formula (2-3-A) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and X are defined as above; Z is a hydrogen atom; and R^(x1)is an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups.

Examples of the compound of (2-3-A) include luteolin, apigenin, chrysin,norartocarpetin, tricetin, diosmetin, acacetin, chrysoeriol, genkwanin,techtochrysin, tricin, 4′,7-dihydroxyflavone, and pratol.

(2-3-B) Flavonols Represented by Following Formula (2-3-B)

wherein R⁴, X, Z, R^(x1), and R^(y21) are defined as above; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

The flavonol represented by formula (2-3-B) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and X are defined as above; Z is a hydrogen atom; R^(x1) isan aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups; and R^(y1) is a hydroxyl group or amethoxy group.

Examples of the compound of (2-3-B) include quercetin, myricetin, morin,kaempferol, galangin, kaempferide, tamarixetin, laricitrin, annulatin,isorhamnetin, syringetin, rhamnetin, europetin, azaleatin,5-O-methylmyricetin, retusin, pachypodol, rhamnazin, ayanin, ombuin, andfisetin.

The compound of (2-4) is preferably any of the compounds represented bythe following formula (2-4-A) to (2-4-C).

(2-4-A) Isoflavones Represented by the Following Formula (2-4-A)

wherein R⁴, X, Z, and R^(y3) are defined as above; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(y3) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases.

The isoflavone represented by formula (2-4-A) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and X are defined as above; Z is a hydrogen atom or a C1 toC5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group; and R^(y3) isan aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and optionally forms a condensed ringwith 1,3-dioxolane.

Examples of the compound of (2-4-A) include genistein, daidzein, orobol,biochanin A, pratensein, 5-O-methylgenistein, prunetin, calycosin,formononetin, 7-O-methylluteone, luteone, and pseudobaptigenin.

(2-4-B) Isoflavans Represented by the Following Formula (2-4-B)

wherein R⁴, X, and R^(y3) are defined as above.

The isoflavan represented by formula (2-4-B) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and X are defined as above; and R^(y3) is an aromatichydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groupsor methoxy groups and optionally forms a condensed ring with1,3-dioxolane.

Examples of the compound of (2-4-B) include equol.

(2-4-C) Isoflavenes Represented by the Following Formula (2-4-C)

wherein R⁴, R^(x2), and R^(y3) are defined as above.

The isoflavene represented by formula (2-4-C) is preferably a compoundwherein R⁴ and R^(x2) are defined as above; and R^(y3) is an aromatichydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groupsor methoxy groups and optionally forms a condensed ring with1,3-dioxolane.

Examples of the compound of (2-4-C) include haginin D, haginin E, and2-methoxyjudaicin.

Examples of the compound (2-5) include umbelliferone.

Among the aforementioned compounds represented by formula (2), preferredcompounds are flavan-3-ols represented by formula (2-1-A), flavonolsrepresented by formula (2-3-B), flavanones represented by formula(2-2-A), flavones represented by formula (2-3-A), isoflavonesrepresented by formula (2-4-A), isoflavans represented by formula(2-4-B), and coumarins represented by formula (2-5). Specific examplesof more preferred compounds include catechin, epicatechin,epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate,epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, morin, hesperetin, naringenin,chrysin, daidzein, equol, and umbelliferone. Of these, catechin,epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, naringenin, and equol areyet more preferred. Mixtures such as a green tea, containing theaforementioned compounds, may also be used.

Each of the compounds represented by formula (2) preferably has amolecular weight of 150 or higher. From the viewpoint of permeability tohair, the molecular weight is preferably 1,000 or lower, more preferably700 or lower, still more preferably 500 or lower.

Among the component (B), from the viewpoint of obtaining more remarkablechange of the shape of hair after the treatment using the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention, improving shampooing resistance ofshaped hair, obtaining more remarkable change of the shape of hairduring semipermanent re-deforming of the shape of hair by heating, andimproving shampooing resistance of shaped hair after re-deforming of theshape of hair by means of condensate of component (A) and component (B)formed in the hair, one or more member selected from the groupconsisting of resorcin derivatives represented by general formula(ii-1), m-dimethoxybenzene derivatives represented by general formula(1-1-1), resorcin derivatives represented by general formula (1-1-3),benzophenone derivatives represented by general formula (1-2), naphtholderivatives represented by general formula (1-3-a) or (1-3-b),flavan-3-ols represented by general formula (2-1-A), flavonolsrepresented by general formula (2-3-B), flavanones represented bygeneral formula (2-2-A), flavones represented by general formula(2-3-A), isoflavones represented by general formula (2-4-A), isoflavansrepresented by general formula (2-4-B) and coumarins represented bygeneral formula (2-5) is preferable, and favorable compounds classifiedin each component is as described above.

Subcomponents of component (B) may be used singly or in combination oftwo or more species. Two or more of (B1) to (B3) may be used incombination. In the present invention, (B2) or (B3) is preferred, fromthe viewpoint of more consistently deforming hair.

In order to attain a remarkable change in hair shape after treatmentwith the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention, to furtherenhance the resistance of the hair shape to shampooing, to attain a moreremarkable change in hair shape upon semi-permanently re-deforming ofhair through heating, and to further enhance the resistance of there-deformed hair to shampooing, the hair cosmetic composition of thepresent invention preferably has a total component (B) content, relativeto the total hair cosmetic composition, of 0.2 mass % or higher, morepreferably 0.5 mass % or higher, still more preferably 1.0 mass % orhigher, yet more preferably 1.5 mass % or higher. In addition to theaforementioned viewpoints, in order to suitably mix components, thetotal component (B) content is preferably 40 mass % or lower, morepreferably 30 mass % or lower, still more preferably 25 mass % or lower,yet more preferably 23 mass % or lower, further more preferably 20 mass% or lower.

In the case where component (B1) is used as component (B), the component(B1) content (i.e., the preferred component (B) content) of the haircosmetic composition of the present invention, relative to the totalhair cosmetic composition, is more preferably 2 mass % or higher, stillmore preferably 3 mass % or higher, yet more preferably 4 mass % orhigher, further more preferably 5 mass % or higher, and in order tosuitably mix components, more preferably 17 mass % or lower.

In the case where component (B2) is used as component (B), the component(B2) content (i.e., the preferred component (B) content) is morepreferably 2 mass % or higher, and in order to suitably mix components,more preferably 17 mass % or lower, still more preferably 15 mass % orlower, yet more preferably 12 mass % or lower.

In the case where component (B3) is used as component (B), the component(B3) content (i.e., the preferred component (B) content) of the haircosmetic composition of the present invention is more preferably 17 mass% or lower, still more preferably 15 mass % or lower, yet morepreferably 12 mass % or lower, in order to suitably mix components.

In order to attain a remarkable change in hair shape after treatmentwith the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention by acondensation product between component (A) and component (B) formed inhair shafts, to further enhance the resistance of the hair shape toshampooing, to attain a more remarkable change in hair shape uponsemi-permanently re-deforming of hair through heating, and to furtherenhance the resistance of the re-deformed hair to shampooing, the molarratio of component (B) to component (A), (B)/(A), of the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention applied to hair is preferably 0.001or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, still more preferably 0.2 orhigher, yet more preferably 0.25 or higher, and preferably lower than2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still more preferably 2.1 or lower,yet more preferably 1.9 or lower, further more preferably 1.7 or lower,further more preferably 1.6 or lower.

In the case where component (B1) is used as component (B), the molarratio of component (B1) to component (A), (B1)/(A), of the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention applied to hair is preferably 0.2or higher, more preferably 0.3 or higher, still more preferably 0.4 orhigher, yet more preferably 0.5 or higher, further more preferably 0.7or higher, and preferably lower than 2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower,still more preferably 2.0 or lower, yet more preferably 1.5 or lower,further more preferably 1.2 or lower.

In the case where component (B2) is used as component (B), the molarratio of component (B2) to component (A), (B2)/(A), of the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention applied to hair is preferably 0.001or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, still more preferably 0.2 orhigher, yet more preferably 0.25 or higher, and preferably lower than2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still more preferably 2.0 or lower,yet more preferably 1.5 or lower, further more preferably 1.2 or lower.

In the case where component (B3) is used as component (B), the molarratio of component (B3) to component (A), (B3)/(A), of the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention applied to hair is preferably 0.001or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, still more preferably 0.2 orhigher, yet more preferably 0.25 or higher, and preferably lower than2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still more preferably 2.0 or lower,yet more preferably 1.5 or lower.

[Component (C): Thickening Polymer]

Component (C) is a thickening polymer, showing viscosity of 100 mPa·s orgreater when measured as a 10 mass % aqueous solution, at 20° C., withinat least a part of pH region of 4 or lower, using a B-type viscometer.From the viewpoint enhancement in handling performance and shape givingeffect, and The thickening polymer serving as component (C) preferablyhas a viscosity measured under the aforementioned conditions of 500mPa·s or greater, more preferably 1,000 mPa·s or greater. The pH of the10 mass % aqueous thickening polymer solution may be adjusted withsodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. When the viscosity of the 10 mass% aqueous solution exceeds the upper limit of measurement by means of aB-type viscometer, viscosity data obtained from appropriately dilutedsamples thereof are extrapolated, to thereby calculate the viscosity ofthe 10 mass % aqueous solution. Furthermore, a 1 mass % aqueous solutionof the thickening polymer preferably has a viscosity measured at 20° C.by means of a B-type viscometer of 100 mPa·s or greater at least in apart of the pH region of 4 or lower, more preferably 500 mPa·s orgreater, still more preferably 1,000 mPa·s or greater. So long as theviscosity satisfies the aforementioned conditions, any thickeningpolymer may be used. However, from the viewpoint of handling property, a1 mass % aqueous solution of the thickening polymer preferably has aviscosity measured at 20° C. by means of a B-type viscometer of1,000,000 mPa·s or less at least in a part of the pH region of 4 orlower.

In the present invention, the viscosity of the composition is measuredby means of a B-type viscometer TVB-10M (product of Toki Sangyo Co.,Ltd.), when the target viscosity is 20,000 mPa·s or less. In the casewhere the target viscosity is in excess of 20,000 mPa·s, a B-typeviscometer TVB-10R (product of Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) and a T-BAR STAGETS-10 (product of Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) are employed in combination.The viscosity is measured at 20° C. after rotation of a target samplefor 60 seconds by use of the following rotors at the following rotationfrequencies. The rotation frequency is adjusted to 30 rpm, when theviscosity of the composition is 10 mPa·s or less. Similarly, therotation frequency is adjusted to 60 rpm (viscosity: greater than 10mPa·s and 20 mPa·s or less), to 30 rpm (viscosity: greater than 20 mPa·sand 20,000 mPa·s or less), to 5 rpm (viscosity: greater than 20,000mPa·s and 400,000 mPa·s or less), and to 1 rpm (viscosity: greater than400,000 mPa·s). The type of the employed rotor is L/Adp, when theviscosity of the composition is 10 mPa·s or less. Similarly, rotors M1(viscosity: greater than 10 mPa·s and 200 mPa·s or less), M2 (viscosity:greater than 200 mPa·s and 1,000 mPa·s or less), M3 (viscosity: greaterthan 1,000 mPa·s and 4,000 mPa·s or less), M4 (viscosity: greater than4,000 mPa·s and 20,000 mPa·s or less), T-B (viscosity: greater than20,000 mPa·s and 160,000 mPa·s or less), and T-C (viscosity: greaterthan 160,000 mPa·s) are employed.

The thickening polymer may be used in the invention is at least onespecies selected from a nonionic polymer, an anionic polymer, a cationicpolymer, and an amphoteric polymer.

Nonionic Polymer

No particular limitation is imposed on the nonionic polymer, and anynonionic thickening polymer generally used in hair cosmetic compositionsmay be employed. The hair cosmetic composition of the present inventionmay contain one or more nonionic polymers. In addition to the nonionicpolymer, the cosmetic composition may further contain one or moreanionic, cationic, and/or amphoteric polymers, in combination.

Examples of the nonionic polymer include polyvinylpyrrolidone,polyacrylamide, a neutral polysaccharide, and derivatives (such asethers and esters) thereof. Examples of polysaccharide derivativesinclude neutral gums (such as guar gum and hydroxypropylguar), celluloseethers (such as hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), methylhydroxyethylcellulose(MHEC), ethylhydroxyethylcellulose (EHEC),methylethylhydroxyethylcellulose (MEHEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC),hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and hydrophobized derivatives(e.g., HM-EHEC) thereof), and starch and derivatives (e.g., dextrin)thereof.

Among them, from the viewpoint of improvement of operability andshape-giving effect, one or more member selected from the groupconsisting of cellulose ethers such as MHEC, MEHEC and polyacrylamideare preferred. Examples of commercial products thereof include STRUCTURE(registered trademark) CEL 12000 M (MEHEC) (available from Akzo Nobel,viscosity of 12,000 (cps)).

Anionic Polymer

No particular limitation is imposed on the anionic polymer, and anyanionic thickening polymer generally used in hair cosmetic compositionsmay be employed. The hair cosmetic composition of the present inventionmay contain one or more anionic polymers. In addition to the anionicpolymer, the cosmetic composition may further contain one or morenonionic, cationic, and/or amphoteric polymers, in combination.

Examples of the anionic polymer include anionic polysaccharide andderivatives (e.g., alginate salts, pectin, and hyaluronate salts)thereof, anionic gums (such as xanthan gum, dehydroxanthan gum,hydroxypropylxanthan gum, gum arabic, karaya gum, and tragacanth gum),an anionic cellulose derivative (such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)).

Examples also include synthetic anionic polymers such as polyacrylicacid and a copolymer of acrylic acid, a neutral vinyl monomer and/or aneutral acrylic monomer, and a salt thereof (e.g., polyacrylic acidsodium salt).

Of these, from the viewpoint of stability against pH variation and ofimprovement of operability and shape-giving effect of shaping hair,anionic gums is preferred, and one or more member selected from thegroup consisting of xanthan gum, hydroxypropylxanthan gum, anddehydroxanthan gum are more preferred.

Alternatively, an emulsion-form thickening agent containing a nonionicpolymer and/or an anionic polymer may also be used. Examples thereofinclude polyacrylamide/(C13, C14) isoparaffin/Laureth-7 (Sepigel 305,product of Seppic).

Cationic Polymer

No particular limitation is imposed on the cationic polymer, and anycationic thickening polymer generally used in hair cosmetic compositionsmay be employed. The hair cosmetic composition of the present inventionmay contain one or more cationic polymers. In addition to the cationicpolymer, the cosmetic composition may further contain one or morenonionic, anionic, and/or amphoteric polymers, in combination.

The cationic polymer is a polymer having a cationic group such as aquaternary ammonium group, or another group which can cationize aspecific group; such as a primary, secondary, tertiary amino group, orthe like. Typically, the cationic polymer is a polymer having an aminegroup or an ammonium group as a polymer side chain group, or aquaternary diallyl ammonium salt serving as a polymer unit.

Among these cationic polymers, polymers having a tertiary amine group ora quaternary ammonium group are preferred, with polymers having aquaternary ammonium group being more preferred. In contrast, a polymerhaving a primary amine group may possibly undergo condensation reactionwith component (A), thereby reducing the effective concentration, whichis not preferred.

Examples of preferred cationic polymers include cationized cellulose,cationic starch, cationic guar gum, a vinyl or (meth)acrylic polymer orcopolymer having a quaternary ammonium side chain, a quaternarizedpolyvinylpyrrolidone, a (meth)acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymer, anamine-substituted poly(meth)acrylate cross-polymer, a quaternary diallylammonium salt polymer or copolymer, and a quaternarizedpolyvinylpyrrolidone.

Specific examples of the cationized cellulose include a quaternaryammonium salt polymer obtained by adding glycidyltrimethylammoniumchloride to hydroxyethylcellulose (Polyquaternium-10), ahydroxyethylcellulose/dimethyldiallylammonium chloride polymer(Polyquaternium-4), and a quaternary ammonium salt polymer obtained byreacting hydroxyethylcellulose with a trimethylammonium-substitutedepoxide and a lauryldimethylammonium-substituted epoxide(Polyquaternium-67).

Examples of the vinyl or (meth)acrylic polymer or copolymer having aquaternary ammonium side chain includepoly(2-methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride) (Polyquaternium-37).

Specific examples of the quaternarized polyvinylpyrrolidone include asynthetic quaternary ammonium salt synthesized from vinylpyrrolidone(VP)-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer with diethyl sulfate(Polyquaternium-11).

Examples of the (meth)acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymer include(acrylate/aminoacrylate/C10-30 alkyl PEG-20 itaconate) copolymer.

Examples of the amine-substituted poly(meth)acrylate cross polymerinclude polyacrylate-1 cross-polymer and Polyquaternium-52.

Among them, from the viewpoint of improvement of operability andshape-giving effect, vinyl- or (meta)acrylic polymer or co-polymerhaving quaternary ammonium sidechain is preferable, among them,Polyquaternium-37 is particularly preferred.

Amphoteric Polymer

The amphoteric polymer has both a cationic group and an anionic group.In a structural aspect, the amphoteric polymer can be derived fromfurther incorporating an anionic group or a comonomer into any of theaforementioned cationic polymers.

Similar to the cationic polymer, when having effective positive charges,the amphoteric polymer can provide a hair conditioning effect.

No particular limitation is imposed on the amphoteric polymer, and anyamphoteric thickening polymer generally used in hair cosmeticcompositions may be employed. The hair cosmetic composition of thepresent invention may contain one or more amphoteric polymers. Inaddition to the amphoteric polymer, the cosmetic composition may furthercontain one or more nonionic, anionic, and/or cationic polymers, incombination.

Examples of the amphoteric polymer include carboxyl-modified orsulfonate-modified cationic polysaccharide (e.g.,carboxymethylchitosan).

Examples further include a copolymer of a cationic vinyl or(meth)acrylic monomer and (meth)acrylic acid copolymer (such asdimethyldiallylammonium chloride/acrylic acid copolymer(Polyquaternium-22).

Of these, Polyquaternium-22 is preferred as the amphoteric polymer.

Among the thickening polymer, from the viewpoint of improvement ofoperability and shape-giving effect, one or more member selected fromthe group consisting of nonionic polymer, anionic polymer, emulsifiedthickening agent containing nonionic polymer or anionic polymer, andcationic polymer is preferable; one or more member selected from thegroup consisting of polyacrylamide, cellulose ether, anionic gum, vinyl-or (meta)acrylic polymer or co-polymer having quaternary ammoniumsidechain is more preferable; specifically, one or more member selectedfrom the group consisting of dehydroxanthan gum (for example, Amaze XT),polyquaternium-37 (for example, Synthalen) is more preferable.

From the viewpoints of preventing evaporation of water from hair duringtreatment thereof, facilitating release of the treated hair from heatingrods, preventing unfavorable touch feeling such as stiffness andstickiness during rinsing of the hair, and effectively deforming hair,the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention preferably has athickening polymer content, relative to the total composition of thehair cosmetic composition, 0.01 mass % or higher, more preferably 0.05mass % or higher, still more preferably 0.1 mass % or higher, yet morepreferably 0.5 mass % or higher, and preferably 15 mass % or lower, morepreferably 10 mass % or lower, still more preferably 5 mass % or lower,yet more preferably 2 mass % or lower. In the case where the haircosmetic composition is a multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition,component (C) may be contained in one and/or the other compositions whenapplied singly (single application). However, component (C) ispreferably contained in each composition. In the case of successiveapplication, component (C) may be contained in one and/or the othercompositions, but is preferably contained in each composition. In thecase of single application, the component (C) concentration preferablyfalls within the aforementioned ranges after mixing the first agent, thesecond agent, and the like. In the case of successive application, thethickening polymer content preferably falls within the aforementionedranges, based on the total composition of the first agent, the secondagent, or the like.

[Component (D): Water]

The medium of the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention is(D) water. In the case of the multi-agent type composition, each of thefirst agent, the second agent, and the like employs (D) water as themedium.

The hair cosmetic composition of the present invention may be aone-agent type composition or a multi-agent type (e.g., a two-agenttype) composition. However, in order to enhance permeability ofcomponents (A) and (B) to hair to attain enhanced effects of the presentinvention, a multi-agent type composition in which component (A) andcomponent (B) are contained in different agents and which is used in theformat of successive application. Further, a two-agent type compositionis more preferred. In a preferred mode of the successiveapplication-type multi-agent type composition, components (B) and (D)are incorporated into the first agent, which is firstly applied to thehair, and components (A) and (D) are incorporated into the second agent,which is applied to the hair after application of the first agent. Inthis mode, component (C) may be incorporated into the first agent or thesecond agent. However, component (C) is more preferably incorporatedinto the first agent, and is further more preferably incorporated intoboth the first and second agents.

[Viscosity]

From the viewpoints of preventing evaporation of water from hair duringtreatment thereof, facilitating release of the treated hair from heatingrods, preventing unfavorable touch feeling such as stiffness andstickiness during rinsing of the hair, and effectively deforming hair,the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention preferably has aviscosity of 10 mPa·s or higher, more preferably 100 mPa·s or higher,still more preferably 1,000 mPa·s or higher, and, from the viewpoint ofpreventing a drop in operability due to excessively high viscosity,preferably 1,000,000 mPa·s or lower, more preferably 500,000 mPa·s orlower, still more preferably 100,000 mPa·s or lower. Notably, theaforementioned viscosity is a viscosity value measured through the samemethod as employed in the measurement of the viscosity of the component(C) thickening polymer. In the case of a one-agent type composition, aviscosity of the hair cosmetic composition itself is employed. In thecase of a single application-type multi-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition, a viscosity of the mixture of the first agent and thesecond agent after mixing is employed. In the case of a successiveapplication-type multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition, a viscosityof the second agent is employed. The viscosity of the first agent of thesuccessive application-type composition is 1 mPa·s or higher, morepreferably 10 mPa·s or higher, still more preferably 100 mPa·s orhigher, yet more preferably 1,000 mPa·s or higher, and, from theviewpoint of preventing a drop in operability due to excessively highviscosity, preferably 1,000,000 mPa·s or lower, more preferably 500,000mPa·s or lower, still more preferably 100,000 mPa·s or lower.

[pH]

The pH of the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention, in thecase of a one-agent type composition, is preferably 4.0 or lower, morepreferably 3.0 or lower, still more preferably 2.5 or lower, yet morepreferably 2.0 or lower, from the viewpoint of permeability to hair, andpreferably 1.0 or higher, more preferably 1.2 or higher, still morepreferably 1.5 or higher, from the viewpoints of suppression of damageto the hair and irritation to the skin. In the case of a multi-agenttype composition, the pH of the agent containing component (A); i.e.,the second agent, is preferably adjusted to fall within theaforementioned ranges. In the case of a multi-agent type composition,the pH of the agent containing component (B); i.e., the first agent, ispreferably 6.0 or lower, more preferably 5.0 or lower, still morepreferably 4.5 or lower, and preferably 2.5 or higher, more preferably3.0 or higher, still more preferably 3.5 or higher, from the viewpointof preventing discoloration of the composition. Notably, the pH of thehair cosmetic composition of the present invention refers to a pH valueof a non-diluted or non-treated sample of the hair cosmetic compositionmeasured at room temperature (25° C.) by means of a pH meter (modelF-52, product of HORIBA).

In order to adjust the pH of the hair cosmetic composition to fallwithin the above ranges, a pH-adjusting agent may be appropriately used.Examples of the alkali pH-adjusting agent which may be used in theinvention include ammonia and salts thereof; alkanolamines such asmonoethanolamine, isopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, and2-aminobutanol, and salts thereof; alkane diamines such as1,3-prpoanediamine, and salts thereof; carbonate salts such asguanidinium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodiumhydrogencarbonate, and potassium hydrogencarbonate; and hydroxides suchas sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Examples of the acidpH-adjusting agent which may be used in the invention include inorganicacids such as hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid; hydrochloric acidsalts such as monoethanolamine hydrochloride; phosphate salts such asdihydrogen potassium phosphate and hydrogen disodium phosphate; organicacids other than component (A), such as lactic acid and malic acid.

[Other Components]

In order to improve touch feeling to treated hair for further enhancingthe effects of the present invention, one or more compositions formingthe hair cosmetic composition preferably contain a cationic surfactant.The cationic surfactant is preferably a mono-long-chain quaternaryalkylammonium salt having one C8 to C24 alkyl group and three C1 to C4alkyl groups.

Preferably, at least one quaternary mono-long-chain alkylammoniumsurfactant is selected from the compounds represented by the followingformula:

wherein R⁵ represents a C8 to C22 saturated or unsaturated linear-chainor branched-chain alkyl group, R⁹—CO—NH—(CH₂)_(m)—, orR⁹—CO—O—(CH₂)_(m)— (wherein R⁹ represents a C7 to C21 saturated orunsaturated linear-chain or branched-chain alky chain, and m is aninteger of 1 to 4); R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ each represent a C1 to C4 alkyl groupor a C1 to C4 hydroxylalkyl group; and An⁻ represents a chloride ion, abromide ion, a methosulfate ion, or an ethosulfate ion.

Examples of preferred cationic surfactants include long-chain quaternaryammonium compounds such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride,myristyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimonium chloride,cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and stearamidopropyltrimonium chloride.These compounds may be used singly or as a mixture thereof.

The cationic surfactant content of the hair cosmetic composition of thepresent invention, relative to the total composition of the haircosmetic composition, is preferably 0.05 mass % or higher, morepreferably 0.1 mass % or higher, and preferably 10 mass % or lower, morepreferably 5 mass % or lower. In the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is a multi-agent type composition, the cationic surfactantmay be contained in the first agent and/or the second agent.

For improving touch feeling of treated hair and hair manageability, thehair cosmetic composition of the present invention preferably contains asilicone. The silicone is preferably dimethylpolysiloxane or anamino-modified silicone.

As the aforementioned dimethylpolysiloxane, any of cyclic and acyclicdimethylpolysiloxane polymers may be used. Examples of thedimethylpolysiloxane include SH200 series, BY22-019, BY22-020, BY11-026,B22-029, BY22-034, BY22-050A, BY22-055, BY22-060, BY22-083, and FZ-4188(products of Dow Corning Toray), and KF-9088, KM-900 series, MK-15H, andMK-88 (products of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

As the aforementioned amino-modified silicone, any silicones having anamino group or an ammonium group may be used. Examples thereof includean amino-modified silicone oil in which the total or a part of terminalhydroxyl groups are end-capped with a methyl group or the like, and anon-end-capped amodimethicone. Among them, compounds represented by thefollowing formula:

wherein R′ represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or R^(z); R^(z)represents a substituted or non-substituted C1 to C20 monovalenthydrocarbon group; J represents R^(z), R″—(NHCH₂CH₂)_(a)NH₂, OR^(z), ora hydroxyl group; R″ represents C1 to C8 divalent hydrocarbon group; ais a number of 0 to 3; and b+c (number average) is 10 or greater andless than 20,000, preferably 20 or greater and less than 3,000, morepreferably 30 or greater and less than 1,000, still more preferably 40or greater and less than 800, may be used as preferred amino-modifiedsilicones.

Specific examples of preferred amino-modified silicone commercialproducts include amino-modified silicone oils such as SF8452C and SS3551(products of Dow Corning Toray), KF-8004, KF-867S, and KF-8015 (productsof Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), and amodimethicone emulsions such asSM8704C, SM8904, BY22-079, FZ-4671, and FZ-4672 (products of Dow CorningToray).

The silicone content of the hair cosmetic composition of the presentinvention, relative to the total composition of the hair cosmeticcomposition, is preferably 0.1 mass % or higher, more preferably 0.2mass % or higher, still more preferably 0.5 mass % or higher, andpreferably 20 mass % or lower, more preferably 10 mass % or lower, stillmore preferably 5 mass % or lower. In the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is a multi-agent type composition, the silicone may becontained in the first agent and/or the second agent.

Optionally, an antioxidant may be added to one or more components of thehair cosmetic composition. The type and amount of the antioxidant may bethose generally employed in the art. An example thereof is ascorbicacid.

In addition to the aforementioned components, the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention may further contain otherappropriate components which are generally employed in hair cosmeticcompositions. However, the hair cosmetic composition of the presentinvention preferably contains substantially no precursor, which isincorporated into an oxidation hair dye, the dye dyeing hair viaoxidation reaction between the precursor and a coupler. In other words,the hair cosmetic composition of the present invention substantiallycontains no aromatic compound having at least one amino group in whichone amino group has another amino group or a hydroxyl group at ano-position or the p-position of the aromatic ring relative to the firstamino group, and having a closed-shell quinoid structure afteroxidation. Any compound of component (B) has a structure similar to thatof resorcin, which is a typical coupler of an oxidation hair dye.However, a technical feature of the present invention resides in thatcomponent (A) and component (B) are polymerized in hair shafts, wherebyhair shape can be changed as desired through post heat treatment. Thus,the technical concept of the present invention completely differs fromuse of resorcin in an oxidation hair dye.

Also, the technical concept of the hair cosmetic composition of thepresent invention differs from the technique disclosed in PatentDocument 3; i.e., formation of an oligomer of glycerylaldehyde andresorcin in the presence of boric acid or silicic acid. Thus,preferably, the composition of the present invention substantiallycontains no boric acid or silicic acid.

Yet preferably, the hair cosmetic composition of the present inventioncontains substantially no hair reducing agent. A characteristic featureof the present invention is to realize hair deforming not throughbreakage of S—S bonds of a protein in hair shafts. Therefore, thepresent invention absolutely differs from a permanent wave agent whichbreaks S—S bonds of hair shafts by the action of a reducing agent.Examples of the hair reducing agent include thiols such as thioglycolicacid, dithioglycolic acid, cysteine, acetylcysteine, and butyrolactonethiol, hydrogen sulfite, and a salt thereof.

In the present specification, the expression “substantially containingno specific compound” or an equivalent expression refers to the haircosmetic composition having a target compound content, relative to thetotal composition of the hair cosmetic composition, of preferably lessthan 0.1 mass %, more preferably less than 0.01 mass %. Yet morepreferably, the hair cosmetic composition contains no target compound.

The hair cosmetic composition of the present invention is highly safe tothe human body and gives less damage to hair. Thus, the composition canbe suitably applied particularly to human hair.

[Hair Deforming Treatment Method]

The method for the treatment of hair, realizing semi-permanent orpermanent deforming of hair and employing the hair cosmetic compositionof the present invention, may be carried out through a hair treatmentmethod comprising the following steps (i) and (ii). Notably, the term“hair cosmetic composition” in the description in relation to the hairtreatment refers to a composition actually applied to hair andencompasses any of a one-agent type hair cosmetic composition, a singleapplication-type multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition which is amixture of a first agent and a second agent, and a successiveapplication-type multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition employing afirst agent and a second agent.

The case of a one-agent type hair cosmetic composition:

(i) a step of applying a one-agent type hair cosmetic composition tohair; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.

The case of a multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition in a singleapplication format:

(i) a step of mixing a first agent and a second agent of a multi-agenttype hair cosmetic composition and applying the obtained hair cosmeticcomposition to hair; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.

The case of a multi-agent type hair cosmetic composition in a successiveapplication format:

(i) a step of applying a first agent of a multi-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition to hair and then applying a second agent of the compositionto a portion of the hair to which the first agent has been applied; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.

In step (i), the hair cosmetic composition may be applied to dry hair orwet hair. However, the target hair is preferably wetted with waterbefore step (i) so as to swell the hair and promote permeation of thehair cosmetic composition to the hair. The relative mass of the haircosmetic composition applied to hair in step (i); i.e., the mass ratioof liquid to hair (mass of hair cosmetic composition/mass of hair) ispreferably 0.05 or higher, more preferably 0.10 or higher, still morepreferably 0.25 or higher, yet more preferably 0.5 or higher, andpreferably 5 or lower, more preferably 3 or lower, still more preferably2 or lower. In the case of the successive application-type multi-agenttype hair cosmetic composition, from the viewpoint of applicability,each of the first agent and the second agent preferably satisfies theabove liquid-to-hair conditions. The target hair may be the total hairor a part of the hair.

In step (i), when the successive application-type multi-agent type haircosmetic composition is used, the first agent is firstly applied. Inorder to promote permeation of the hair cosmetic composition and enhancethe effects of the invention, the hair to which the first agent of thehair cosmetic composition has been applied may be allowed to stand for acertain period of time, and then the second agent may be further appliedthereto. For suitably causing the hair cosmetic composition to permeateand diffuse in hair, the time of allowing to stand is preferably 1minute or longer, more preferably 3 minutes or longer, still morepreferably 5 minutes or longer, and preferably 1 hour or shorter, morepreferably 30 minutes or shorter, still more preferably 20 minutes orshorter. In this case, in order to promote permeation of the firstagent, the hair may be heated. The heating temperature is preferably 40to 90° C.

In step (i), when the successive application-type multi-agent type haircosmetic composition is used, a step of washing of the first agent(hereinafter may be referred to as an “intermediate rinsing step”) maybe performed after application and staying of the first agent and beforeapplication of the second agent. From the viewpoint of shortening thetotal treatment time, the treatment method preferably includes nointermediate rinsing step. When no intermediate rinsing step isincluded, the molecular weight of component (B) contained in the firstagent is preferably 100 to 180, more preferably 100 to 140, for furtherenhancing the effect for deforming the shape of hair. In contrast, fromthe viewpoint of enhancing touch feeling after hair deforming treatment,the treatment method preferably includes an intermediate rinsing step.When an intermediate rinsing step is included, the molecular weight ofcomponent (B) contained in the first agent is preferably 140 to 1,000,more preferably 180 to 1,000, for further enhancing the effect fordeforming the shape of hair and attaining favorable touch feeling afterhair deforming.

Also, when the successive application-type multi-agent type haircosmetic composition is used, no particular limitation is imposed on theamounts of the first and second agents applied to hair. The molar ratioof component (B) to component (A) applied to hair, (B)/(A), ispreferably 0.001 or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, still morepreferably 0.2 or higher, and yet more preferably 0.25 or higher, andpreferably lower than 2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still morepreferably 2.0 or lower, yet more preferably 1.5 or lower, inapplication of the hair cosmetic composition. In the presentspecification, each of the amounts of components (A) and (B) applied tohair is calculated from the amount of the first agent or the secondagent applied to the hair, and the component (A) content or component(B) content of the first agent or the second agent.

An optional step of allowing the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition has been applied to stand for a specific period of time maybe included between step (i) and step (ii). In this case, for suitablycausing the hair cosmetic composition to permeate and diffuse in hair,the time of allowing to stand is preferably 1 minute or longer, morepreferably 3 minutes or longer, still more preferably 5 minutes orlonger, and preferably 1 hour or shorter, more preferably 30 minutes orshorter, still more preferably 20 minutes or shorter. In the step ofallowing the hair to stand, the hair may be heated for promotingpermeation of the hair cosmetic composition. When heating is performed,the heating temperature is preferably 40 to 90° C. Though heating, alow-molecular-weight oligomer can be polymerized in hair shafts beforestep (ii). Thus, step (ii) can be performed more advantageously, whichis preferred.

Between step (i) and step (ii), the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition has been applied may or may not be rinsed. However, norinsing is preferably performed. In this case, the effects ofsufficiently retaining components of the hair cosmetic composition inhair, imparting a semi-permanent shape to hair, and semi-permanentlyre-deforming the hair by heating can be further ensured.

For imparting a semi-permanent shape to hair and semi-permanentlyre-deforming the deformed hair by heat, the heating temperature in step(ii) is preferably 50° C. or higher, more preferably 60° C. or higher,still more preferably 80° C. or higher. In order to suppress rapidevaporation of water during heating, the heating temperature ispreferably 250° C. or lower, more preferably 240° C. or lower, stillmore preferably 230° C. or lower. Examples of the heating means includea hair iron, an electrically heating rod, and a hot curler.

The heating time in step (ii) is appropriately adjusted in accordancewith the apparatus and temperature employed in step (ii). However, inorder to permeate and diffuse the hair cosmetic composition in hairshafts to induce satisfactory polymerization, the heating time ispreferably 1 second or longer, more preferably 5 seconds or longer,still more preferably 1 minute or longer, yet more preferably 5 minutesor longer, further more preferably 15 minutes or longer, further morepreferably 30 minutes or longer. From the viewpoint of suppression ofdamage to hair, the heating time is preferably 2 hours or shorter, morepreferably 1 hour or shorter, still more preferably 45 minutes orshorter.

The shaping performed in step (ii) encompasses straightening andcurling. Examples of the straightening method include blow-heating thehair by means of a hair drier, while drawing the hair by means of a toolsuch as the hand, a comb, or a brush, and heating the hair by means of ahair iron. From the viewpoint easiness of shaping, a hair iron ispreferably employed. In one mode of straightening the hair by heatingwith a hair iron, the hair is nipped by a flat iron, and the flat ironis caused to slide from hair roots to hair ends. In another mode, thehair is nipped by a flat iron, while drawing the hair by means of a toolsuch as the hand, a comb, or a brush, and the hair is maintained in thatstate. Needless to say, the two modes may be combined. In curling thehair, examples of the curling method include heating the hair which iswound by electrically heating rods, a hot curler, or the like for acertain period of time, and winding the hair by a curl iron for acertain period of time.

Preferably, step (ii) is performed under the conditions where rapidwater evaporation is suppressed. Specific means for suppressingevaporation of water include wrapping the hair to which the haircosmetic composition has been applied with a plastic film (e.g., a foodwrapping film), a cap, or the like, and continuously spraying steam(e.g., superheated steam) to the hair.

After carrying out step (ii), the shaped hair may or may not be rinsed.However, rinsing is preferably performed so as to prevent impairmenthair touch feeling due to remaining polymers.

(Hair Re-Deforming Method)

After the hair has been deformed through a method including step (i) or(ii), the deformed hair may be subjected to a step of semi-permanentlydeforming the hair to a different shape by heating (i.e., a re-deformingstep). The heating temperature in re-deforming is preferably 30° C. orhigher, more preferably 40° C. or higher, and preferably 230° C. orlower, more preferably 220° C. or lower, still more preferably 210° C.or lower. In the re-deforming of hair, application of the hair cosmeticcomposition of the present invention, a hair treatment agent containinga reducing agent (e.g., a permanent agent), or another type of hairtreatment agent such as an alkali relaxer is preferably omitted.

Hereinafter, specific procedures of a step of semi-permanently deformingthe hair to a different shape by heating will be described.

Re-Deforming of Shaped Curly Hair to Straight Hair

Examples of the method of re-deforming shaped curly hair to straighthair include blow-heating the hair by means of a hair drier, whiledrawing the hair by means of a tool such as the hand, a comb, or abrush, and heating the hair by means of a hair iron. From the viewpointeasiness of hair deforming, a hair iron is preferably employed. In oneprocedure of straightening the hair by heating with a hair iron, thehair is nipped by a hair iron, and the hair iron is caused to slide fromhair roots to hair ends. In another procedure, the hair is nipped by ahair iron, while drawing the hair by means of a tool such as the hand, acomb, or a brush, and the hair is maintained in that state. The twoprocedures may be combined.

Under any conditions, including the type of the hair iron, the materialof heating members thereof, the heating temperature employed, and themode of operating the hair iron, in order to attain semi-permanent orpermanent hair deforming, the actual temperature (hair temperature)during heating of the hair is preferably 120° C. or higher, morepreferably 150° C. or higher. From the viewpoints of prevention of hairdamage and deforming hair semi-permanently or permanently, thetemperature is preferably 230° C. or lower, more preferably 220° C. orlower, still more preferably 210° C. or lower.

The temperature of heating hair can be monitored by means of, forexample, a radiation thermometer (model ST653, product of SENTRY).

Re-Deforming of Straightened Hair to Curly Hair

Examples of the method of deforming straightened hair to curly hairinclude heating the hair which is wound by heating rods, a hot curler,or the like for a certain period of time, and winding the hair by a curliron for a certain period of time.

In the re-deforming method, the actual temperature (hair temperature)during heating of the hair is preferably 30° C. or higher, morepreferably 40° C. or higher, in order to suitably deforming the hairpermanently or semi-permanently. From the viewpoints of prevention ofhair damage and deforming hair semi-permanently or permanently, thetemperature is preferably 180° C. or lower, more preferably 120° C. orlower, still more preferably 100° C. or lower, yet more preferably 80°C. or lower, further more preferably 60° C. or lower.

In re-deforming of hair, heating may be performed when the hair is dryor after the hair has been wetted with water. From the viewpoint ofdeforming hair semi-permanently or permanently, heating is preferablyperformed after the hair has been wetted with water.

The time of heating hair in hair re-deforming may be appropriately tunedin accordance with the heating tool, heating temperature, and otherconditions employed in heating. From the viewpoint of deforming hairsemi-permanently or permanently, the heating time is preferably 1 secondor longer, more preferably 5 seconds or longer, still more preferably 1minute or longer, yet more preferably 5 minutes or longer, further morepreferably 15 minutes or longer, further more preferably 30 minutes orlonger. In order to prevent hair damage, the heating time is preferably2 hours or shorter, more preferably 1 hour or shorter, still morepreferably 45 minutes or shorter.

The hair treatment method which can shape hair semi-permanently orpermanently is not particularly limited to some embodiments. Preferredhair treatment methods include the following three embodiments(patterns).

Pattern 1: A Case of One-Agent Type Hair Cosmetic Composition

1) optionally wetting hair with water;

2) applying, to the hair, the hair cosmetic composition of the presentinvention containing the following components (A) to (D):

component (A): one or more compounds selected from the group consistingof glyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and aglyoxylamide;

component (B): a phenolic compound having an electron-donating group onat least one m-position and having a hydrogen atom on at least one ofthe o-positions and the p-position, wherein the electron-donating groupon the m-position may form, together with an adjacent carbon atom, abenzene ring optionally substituted with hydroxyl group(s);

component (C): a thickening polymer, whose 10 mass % aqueous solutionhas a viscosity measured at 20° C. by means of a B-type viscometer of100 mPa·s or greater at least in a part of the pH region of 4 or lower;and

component (D): water;

3) optionally allowing the hair to which the hair cosmetic compositionhas been applied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less,wherein the hair may optionally be heated at 40 to 90° C.;

4) heating and shaping the hair at 50 to 250° C.;

5) optionally rinsing the hair;

6) optionally heating and reshaping the hair at 40 to 230° C.; and

7) optionally heating and further shaping the re-deformed hair at 40 to230° C.

Pattern 2: A Case of Single Application Multi-Agent Type Hair CosmeticComposition

1) optionally wetting hair with water;

2) applying, to the hair, the hair cosmetic composition of the presentinvention containing the following components (A) to (D):

component (A): one or more compounds selected from the group consistingof glyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and aglyoxylamide;

component (B): a phenolic compound having an electron-donating group onat least one m-position and having a hydrogen atom on at least one ofthe o-positions and the p-position, wherein the electron-donating groupon the m-position may form, together with an adjacent carbon atom, abenzene ring optionally substituted with hydroxyl group(s);

component (C): a thickening polymer, whose 10 mass % aqueous solutionhas a viscosity measured at 20° C. by means of a B-type viscometer of100 mPa·s or greater at least in a part of the pH region of 4 or lower;and

component (D): water, wherein the composition is prepared by mixing afirst agent containing the components (B) and (D) and preferablycontaining component (C), with a second agent preferably containingcomponent (C) (wherein the component (C) is essentially contained in atleast one of the first and second agents);

3) optionally allowing the hair to which the hair cosmetic compositionhas been applied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less,wherein the hair may optionally be heated at 40 to 90° C.;

4) heating and shaping the hair at 50 to 250° C.;

5) optionally rinsing the hair;

6) optionally heating and reshaping the hair at 40 to 230° C.; and

7) optionally heating and further shaping the re-deformed hair at 40 to230° C.

Pattern 3: A Case of Successive Application Multi-Agent Type HairCosmetic Composition

1) optionally wetting hair with water;

2) applying, to hair, a first agent containing the following components(B) and (D), and preferably containing component (C) (wherein thecomponent (C) is essentially contained in at least one of the first andsecond agents):

component (B): a phenolic compound having an electron-donating group onat least one m-position and having a hydrogen atom on at least one ofthe o-positions and the p-position, wherein the electron-donating groupon the m-position may form, together with an adjacent carbon atom, abenzene ring with an adjacent carbon atom, the benzene ring optionallybeing substituted with hydroxyl group(s);

component (C): a thickening polymer, whose 10 mass % aqueous solutionhas a viscosity measured at 20° C. by means of a B-type viscometer of100 mPa·s or greater at least in a part of the pH region of 4 or lower;and

component (D): water;

3) optionally allowing the hair to which the hair cosmetic compositionhas been applied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less,wherein the hair may optionally be heated at 40 to 90° C.;

4) optionally rinsing off the first agent remaining on the hair;

5) further applying, to a portion of the hair to which the first agenthas been applied, a second agent containing the following components (A)and (D), and preferably containing component (C):

component (A): one or more compounds selected from the group consistingof glyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and aglyoxylamide;

component (C): a thickening polymer, whose 10 mass % aqueous solutionhas a viscosity measured at 20° C. by means of a B-type viscometer of100 mPa·s or greater at least in a part of the pH region of 4 or lower;and

component (D): water;

6) optionally allowing the hair to which the hair cosmetic compositionhas been applied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less,wherein the hair may optionally be heated at 40 to 90° C.;

7) heating and shaping the hair at 50 to 250° C.;

8) optionally rinsing the hair;

9) optionally heating and reshaping the hair at 40 to 230° C.; and

10) optionally heating and further shaping the re-deformed hair at 40 to230° C.

The technical feature of the hair treatment method of the presentinvention completely differs from conventional techniques such as apermanent treatment by use of a reducing agent and a relaxationtreatment by use of a strong-alkali hair treatment agent having a pH of12 to 14, and can shape hair to a form as desired. Thus, the hairtreatment method of the present invention does not include a step ofapplying, to hair, a hair treatment agent containing a reducing agent ora strong-alkali hair treatment agent having a pH of 12 to 14. Therefore,as compared with conventional hair deforming methods, the hair treatmentmethod according to the present invention is advantageous in that thehair can be deformed without damaging the hair.

In relation to the aforementioned embodiments, there will next bedisclosed more preferred embodiments of the present invention.

<1>

A hair cosmetic composition, which is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agent,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): one or more compounds selected from the group consisting ofglyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and aglyoxylamide;

(B): a phenolic compound having an electron-donating group on at leastone m-position, preferably two or three positions, and having a hydrogenatom on at least one of the o-positions and the p-position, wherein theelectron-donating group on the m-position may form, together with anadjacent carbon atom, a benzene ring optionally substituted withhydroxyl group(s);

(C): a thickening polymer, showing viscosity of 100 mPa·s or higher whenmeasured as a 10 mass % aqueous solution, at 20° C., within at least apart of pH region of 4 or lower, using a B-type viscometer; and

(D): water.

<2>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <1> above, wherein themolar ratio of component (B) to component (A), (B)/(A), of applied tohair is preferably 0.001 or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, stillmore preferably 0.2 or higher, yet more preferably 0.25 or higher, andpreferably lower than 2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still morepreferably 2.1 or lower, yet more preferably 1.9 or lower, further morepreferably 1.7 or lower, further more preferably 1.6 or lower.

<3>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <1> or <2> above, whereincomponent (C) is a thickening polymer showing viscosity of 100 mPa·s orgreater, more preferably 500 mPa·s or greater, still more preferably1,000 mPa·s or greater, and preferably 1,000,000 mPa·s or less whenmeasured as a 1 mass % aqueous solution, at 20° C., within at least apart of pH region of 4 or lower, using a B-type viscometer.

<4>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <3>above, wherein component (C) is preferably at least one species selectedfrom a nonionic polymer, an anionic polymer, a cationic polymer, and anamphoteric polymer.

<5>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <4>above, wherein the component (A) content, relative to the totalcomposition of the hair cosmetic composition and in terms of glyoxylicacid, is preferably 1 mass % or higher, more preferably 2 mass % orhigher, still more preferably 2.5 mass % or higher, yet more preferably3 mass % or higher, and preferably 30 mass % or lower, more preferably25 mass % or lower, still more preferably 20 mass % or lower, yet morepreferably 15 mass % or lower, further more preferably 12 mass % orlower.

<6>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <5>above, wherein the component (B) content, relative to the totalcomposition of the hair cosmetic composition, is preferably 0.2 mass %or higher, more preferably 0.5 mass % or higher, still more preferably 1mass % or higher, yet more preferably 1.5 mass % or higher, andpreferably 40 mass % or lower, more preferably 30 mass % or lower, stillmore preferably 25 mass % or lower, yet more preferably 23 mass % orlower, further more preferably 20 mass % or lower.

<7>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <6>above, wherein component (B) is preferably resorcin (B1).

<8>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <7> above, wherein thecomponent (B1) content, relative to the total composition of the haircosmetic composition, is preferably 0.2 mass % or higher, morepreferably 0.5 mass % or higher, still more preferably 1.0 mass % orhigher, yet more preferably 1.5 mass % or higher, further morepreferably 2 mass % or higher, further more preferably 3 mass % orhigher, further more preferably 4 mass % or higher, further morepreferably 5 mass % or higher, and preferably 40 mass % or lower, morepreferably 30 mass % or lower, still more preferably 25 mass % or lower,yet more preferably 23 mass % or lower, further more preferably 20 mass% or lower, further more preferably 17 mass % or lower.

<9>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <7> or <8> above, whereinthe molar ratio of component (B1) to component (A), (B1)/(A), of thehair cosmetic composition applied to hair is preferably 0.2 or higher,more preferably 0.3 or higher, still more preferably 0.4 or higher, yetmore preferably 0.5 or higher, further more preferably 0.7 or higher,and preferably lower than 2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still morepreferably 2.0 or lower, yet more preferably 1.5 or lower, further morepreferably 1.2 or lower.

<10>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <6>above, wherein component (B) is preferably one or more compounds (B2)represented by the following formula (1):

(wherein:

R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

A¹ and A², which may be identical to or different from each other, eachrepresent a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chainalkyl or alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl orarylalkenyl group, a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy oralkenyloxy group, a halogen atom, or —CO—R² (wherein R² represents a C1to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, anoptionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl or arylalkenyl group, or anoptionally substituted C6 to C12 aromatic hydrocarbon group);

B represents a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chainalkyl or alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl orarylalkenyl group, or —OR³ or —COOR³ (wherein R³ represents a hydrogenatom or a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup); D represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methyl group,or a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxygroup; and

E represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C6 linear-chainor branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or a C1 to C6 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxy group,

wherein two or three of A¹, A², B, and E each are a hydrogen atom, witheach of remaining being a group which is not a sulfo group, and in thecase where D is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, A¹ and B, or A² and Bform an optionally hydroxyl group-substituted benzene ring with twoadjacent carbon atoms), more preferably compounds represented by thefollowing formula (1-1), (1-2), (1-3-a), or (1-3-b):

wherein R¹, A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above, and D¹ represents ahydroxyl group or a methoxy group;

wherein R¹ has the same meaning as defined above; D² represents ahydroxyl group or a C1 to C12 alkoxy group; G represents a hydroxylgroup, a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group,or a C1 to C6 alkoxy group; and n is an integer of 0 to 2;

wherein R¹, A², E, D, G, and n are defined as above; or

wherein R¹, A¹, E, D, G, and n are defined as above, more preferably oneor more compounds represented by formula (1-1-1), (1-1-2), or (1-1-3):

wherein A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above;

wherein A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above; or

wherein A¹, A², B, and E are defined as above.<11>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <10> above, whereincomponent (B2) is preferably one or more species selected from the groupconsisting of 2-methylresorcin, 4-chlororesorcin, 4-alkylresorcin,4-aralkylresorcin, 4-acylated resorcin, 5-alkylresorcin,5-aralkylresorcin, 5-hydroxyarylalkenylresorcin,2,4,6-trihydroxyphenylaralkylketone, gallic acid, and a gallate ester;more preferably 4-butylresorcin (trivial name: rucinol),4-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin (trivial name: Symwhite 377),5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name: resveratrol),3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propan-1-one (trivial name:phloretin), 4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin (trivial name:Benzophenone-2), 5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene (trivialname: pterostilbene), and 1-naphthol; still more preferably2-methylresorcin, 4-chlororesorcin, 1-naphthol, 4-n-butylresorcinol,4-phenylresorcinol, 5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin,3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propan-1-one, and4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin.

<12>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <10> or <11> above,wherein the component (B2) content, relative to the total hair cosmeticcomposition, is preferably 0.2 mass % or higher, more preferably 0.5mass % or higher, still more preferably 1.0 mass % or higher, yet morepreferably 1.5 mass % or higher, further more preferably 2 mass % orhigher, and from the viewpoint of easiness in mixing components,preferably 40 mass % or lower, more preferably 30 mass % or lower, stillmore preferably 25 mass % or lower, yet more preferably 23 mass % orlower, further more preferably 20 mass % or lower, further morepreferably 17 mass % or lower, further more preferably 15 mass % orlower, further more preferably 12 mass % or lower.

<13>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <10> to <12>above, wherein the molar ratio of component (B2) to component (A),(B2)/(A), of the hair cosmetic composition applied to hair is preferably0.001 or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, still more preferably0.2 or higher, yet more preferably 0.25 or higher, and preferably lowerthan 2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still more preferably 2 orlower, yet more preferably 1.5 or lower, further more preferably 1.2 orlower.

<14>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <6>above, wherein component (B) is preferably one or more compounds (B3)represented by the following formula (2):

wherein,

R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group;

X represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group;

Y represents a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a hydroxyl group, or amethoxy group;

Z represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 linear-chain orbranched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group;

R^(x) represents a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a hydroxyl group, amethoxy group, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substitutedwith 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and which optionally formsa condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane;

R^(y) represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methoxy group, anaromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxylgroups or methoxy groups and which optionally forms a condensed ringwith 1,3-dioxolane, or an arylcarbonyloxy or aralkylcarbonyloxy groupwhich may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups;

a dotted line portion may be a double bond;

each of the combinations of the dotted line and the solid line beingadjacent to R^(x) or Y denotes a double bond in the case where R^(x) orY is an oxygen atom, and denotes a single bond in the other cases; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x) or R^(y) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbongroup, and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases, morepreferably one or more compounds represented by the following formula(2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), or (2-5);

R⁴ and X are defined as above;

Y¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group;

R^(x1) represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substitutedwith 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and which optionally formsa condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane; and

R^(y1) represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methoxy group, anaromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxylgroups or methoxy groups and which optionally forms a condensed ringwith 1,3-dioxolane, or an arylcarbonyloxy or aralkylcarbonyloxy groupwhich may be substituted with 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups;

wherein R⁴, X, Z, and R^(x1) are defined as above, and R^(y2) representsa hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases;

wherein R⁴, X, Z, R^(x1), and R^(y2) are defined as above, and

Z is a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group,only when R^(x1) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group. In theother cases, Z is a hydrogen atom;

wherein

R⁴, X, Z, and the dotted line portion are defined as above;

Y² represents a hydrogen atom or an oxygen atom;

R^(x2) represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group;

R^(y3) represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substitutedwith 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and which optionally formsa condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane;

the combination of the dotted line and the solid line being adjacent toY² denotes a double bond in the case where Y² is an oxygen atom, anddenotes a single bond in the other cases; and

Z represents a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup, only when R^(y3) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group,and represents a hydrogen atom in the other cases; or

wherein R⁴ and X are defined as above.<15>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <14> above, whereincomponent (B3) is preferably one or more compounds selected from thegroup consisting of catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechingallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin,morin, hesperetin, naringenin, chrysin, daidzein, equol, andumbelliferone.

<16>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <14> or <15> above,wherein the component (B3) content, relative to the total hair cosmeticcomposition, is preferably 0.2 mass % or higher, more preferably 0.5mass % or higher, still more preferably 1.0 mass % or higher, yet morepreferably 1.5 mass % or higher, and from the viewpoint of suitablymixing components, preferably 40 mass % or lower, more preferably 30mass % or lower, still more preferably 25 mass % or lower, yet morepreferably 23 mass % or lower, further more preferably 20 mass % orlower, further more preferably 17 mass % or lower further morepreferably 15 mass % or lower, further more preferably 12 mass % orlower.

<17>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <14> to <16>above, wherein the molar ratio of component (B3) to component (A),(B3)/(A), of the hair cosmetic composition applied to hair is preferably0.001 or higher, more preferably 0.1 or higher, still more preferably0.2 or higher, yet more preferably 0.25 or higher, and preferably lowerthan 2.5, more preferably 2.3 or lower, still more preferably 2 orlower, yet more preferably 1.5 or lower.

<18>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <17>above, which is preferably a one-agent type hair cosmetic composition.

<19>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <18> above, which has a pHof preferably 4.0 or lower, more preferably 3.0 or lower, still morepreferably 2.5 or lower, yet more preferably 2.0 or lower, andpreferably 1.0 or higher, more preferably 1.2 or higher, still morepreferably 1.5 or higher.

<20>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <18> or <19> above,wherein the component (C) content, relative to the total hair cosmeticcomposition, is preferably 0.01 mass % or higher, more preferably 0.05mass % or higher, still more preferably 0.1 mass % or higher, yet morepreferably 0.5 mass % or higher, and preferably 15 mass % or lower, morepreferably 10 mass % or lower, still more preferably 5 mass % or lower,yet more preferably 2 mass % or lower.

<21>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <17>above, which is a multi-agent type composition comprising a first agentcontaining components (B) and (D), and a second agent containingcomponents (A) and (D), wherein component (C) is contained in the firstagent and/or the second agent.

<22>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <21> above, wherein thefirst agent preferably has a pH of 6.0 or lower, more preferably 5.0 orlower, still more preferably 4.5 or lower, and preferably 2.5 or higher,more preferably 3.0 or higher, still more preferably 3.5 or higher.

<23>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <21> or <22> above,wherein the second agent preferably has a pH of 4.0 or lower, morepreferably 3.0 or lower, still more preferably 2.5 or lower, yet morepreferably 2.0 or lower, and preferably 1.0 or higher, more preferably1.2 or higher, still more preferably 1.5 or higher.

<24>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <21> to <23>above, wherein the component (C) content of the first agent or thesecond agent, relative to the total composition of the first or secondagent, is preferably 0.01 mass % or higher, more preferably 0.05 mass %or higher, still more preferably 0.1 mass % or higher, yet morepreferably 0.5 mass % or higher, and preferably 15 mass % or lower, morepreferably 10 mass % or lower, still more preferably 5 mass % or lower,yet more preferably 2 mass % or lower.

<25>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in any one of <1> to <24>above, wherein one or more compositions forming the hair cosmeticcomposition contain one or more species selected from the groupconsisting of a cationic surfactant, a silicone, and a cationic polymer.

<26>

A method for the treatment of hair, realizing semi-permanent orpermanent deforming of hair, the method comprising the following steps(i) and (ii);

(i) a step of applying the hair cosmetic composition as recited in anyone of <18> to <20> to hair; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.

<27>

The hair treatment method as described in <26>, realizing semi-permanentor permanent deforming of hair, the method comprising the followingsteps;

1) optionally wetting hair with water;

2) applying the hair cosmetic composition as recited any one of <18> to<20> to hair;

3) optionally allowing the hair to which the hair cosmetic compositionhas been applied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less,wherein the hair may optionally be heated at 40° C. or higher and 90° C.or lower;

4) heating and shaping the hair at 50° C. or higher and 250° C. orlower;

5) optionally rinsing the hair;

6) optionally heating and reshaping the hair at 40° C. or higher and230° C. or lower; and

7) optionally heating and further shaping the re-deformed hair at 40° C.or higher and 230° C. or lower.

<28>

A method for the treatment of hair, realizing semi-permanent orpermanent deforming of hair, the method comprising the following steps(i) and (ii);

(i) a step of mixing the first agent and the second agent of the haircosmetic composition as recited in any one of <21> to <24> and applyingthe obtained hair cosmetic composition to hair; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.

<29>

The hair treatment method as described in <28>, the method comprisingthe following steps;

1) optionally wetting hair with water;

2) mixing the first agent and the second agent of the hair cosmeticcomposition as recited in any one of <21> to <24> and applying theobtained hair cosmetic composition to the hair;

3) optionally allowing the hair to which the hair cosmetic compositionhas been applied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less,wherein the hair may optionally be heated at 40° C. or higher and 90° C.or lower;

4) heating and shaping the hair at 50° C. or higher and 250° C. orlower;

5) optionally rinsing the hair;

6) optionally heating and reshaping the hair at 40° C. or higher and230° C. or lower; and

7) optionally heating and further shaping the re-deformed hair at 40° C.or higher and 230° C. or lower.

<30>

A method for the treatment of hair, realizing semi-permanent orpermanent deforming of hair, the method comprising the following steps(i) and (ii);

(i) a step of applying the first agent of the multi-agent type haircosmetic composition as recited in any one of <21> to <24> to hair andthen applying the second agent of the composition as recited in any oneof <21> to <24> to a portion of the hair to which the first agent hasbeen applied; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.

<31>

The hair treatment method as described in <30>, the method comprisingthe following steps;

1) optionally wetting hair with water;

2) applying, to the hair, the first agent of the multi-agent type haircosmetic composition as recited in any one of <21> to <24>;

3) optionally allowing the hair to which the first agent has beenapplied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less, wherein thehair may optionally be heated at 40° C. or higher and 90° C. or less;

4) optionally rinsing the first agent applied onto the hair throughrinsing the hair;

5) applying, to a portion of the hair to which the first agent has beenapplied, the second agent of the multi-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition as recited in any one of <21> to <24>;

6) optionally allowing the hair to which the second agent has beenapplied to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less, wherein thehair may optionally be heated at 40° C. or higher and 90° C. or lower;

7) heating and shaping the hair at 50° C. or higher and 250° C. orlower;

8) optionally rinsing the hair;

9) optionally heating and reshaping the hair at 40° C. or higher and230° C. or lower; and

10) optionally heating and further shaping the re-deformed hair at 40°C. or higher and 230° C. or lower.

<32>

The hair treatment method as described in any one of <26> to <31>,wherein the step of heating and shaping the hair is preferably performedunder the conditions where evaporation of water is suppressed.

<33>

The hair treatment method as described in any one of <26> to <32>, whichmethod preferably includes no step of applying, to the hair, a hairtreatment agent containing a reducing agent.

<34>

The hair treatment method as described in any one of <26> to <33>, whichmethod preferably includes no step of applying, to the hair, a stronglyalkaline hair treatment agent having a pH of 12 or higher and 14 orlower.

<35>

A hair cosmetic composition, which is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agents,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): 2.5 mass % or higher and 25 mass % or lower of one or morecompound(s) selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid,glyoxylic acid hydrate, glyoxylate salt and glyoxylamide,

(B1): 5 mass % or higher and 40 mass % or lower of resorcin,

(C): 0.1 mass % or higher and 10 mass % or lower of one or morethickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide,xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl xanthan gum, dehydro xanthan gum andpolyquaternium-37, and

(D): water;

wherein the molar ratio of component (B1) to component (A), (B1)/(A), is0.5 or higher and 1.7 or lower,

wherein the pH of the hair cosmetic composition is 1.0 or higher and 3.0or lower in the case where the hair cosmetic composition is theone-agent type composition,

and wherein the pH of the first agent containing the component (B1) is2.5 or higher and 5.0 or lower in the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is the multi-agent type composition.

<36>

A hair treatment method for semi-permanently or permanently deforminghair shape, the method comprising the following steps (i) and (ii):

(i) a step of applying a hair cosmetic composition; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied;

wherein the hair cosmetic composition is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agents,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): 2.5 mass % or higher and 25 mass % or lower of one or morecompound(s) selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid,glyoxylic acid hydrate, glyoxylate salt and glyoxylamide,

(B1): 5 mass % or higher and 40 mass % or lower of resorcin,

(C): 0.1 mass % or higher and 10 mass % or lower of one or morethickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide,xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl xanthan gum, dehydro xanthan gum andpolyquaternium-37, and

(D): water;

wherein the molar ratio of component (B1) to component (A), (B1)/(A), is0.5 or higher and 1.7 or lower,

wherein the pH of the hair cosmetic composition is 1.0 or higher and 3.0or lower in the case where the hair cosmetic composition is theone-agent type composition,

and wherein the pH of the first agent containing the component (B1) is2.5 or higher and 5.0 or lower in the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is the multi-agent type composition.

<37>

A hair cosmetic composition, which is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agents,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): 2.5 mass % or higher and 25 mass % or lower of one or morecompound(s) selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid,glyoxylic acid hydrate, glyoxylate salt and glyoxylamide,

(B2): 5 mass % or higher and 30 mass % or lower of one or more phenoliccompound(s) selected from the group consisting of 2-methylresorcin,4-butylresorcin (trivial name: Rucinol), 4-hexylresorcin,4-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin (trivial name: Symwhite377), 4-chlororesorcin,5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name: resveratrol),5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene (trivial name:Pterostilbene), 3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propane-1-on(trivial name: Phloretin), 4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin (trivialname: Benzophenone-2) and 1-naphthol,

(C): 0.1 mass % or higher and 10 mass % or lower of one or morethickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide,xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl xanthan gum, dehydro xanthan gum andpolyquaternium-37, and

(D): water;

wherein the molar ratio of component (B2) to component (A), (B2)/(A), is0.1 or higher and 2.0 or lower,

wherein the pH of the hair cosmetic composition is 1.0 or higher and 3.0or lower in the case where the hair cosmetic composition is theone-agent type composition,

and wherein the pH of the first agent containing the component (B2) is2.5 or higher and 5.0 or lower in the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is the multi-agent type composition.

<38>

A hair treatment method for semi-permanently or permanently deforminghair shape, the method comprising the following steps (i) and (ii):

(i) a step of applying a hair cosmetic composition; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied;

wherein the hair cosmetic composition is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agents,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): 2.5 mass % or higher and 25 mass % or lower of one or morecompound(s) selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid,glyoxylic acid hydrate, glyoxylate salt and glyoxylamide,

(B2): 5 mass % or higher and 30 mass % or lower of one or more phenoliccompound(s) selected from the group consisting of 2-methylresorcin,4-butylresorcin (trivial name: Rucinol), 4-hexylresorcin,4-(1-phenylethyl)resorcin (trivial name: Symwhite377), 4-chlororesorcin,5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)resorcin (trivial name: resveratrol),5-(hydroxyphenylethenyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene (trivial name:Pterostilbene), 3-hydroxyphenyl-1-(benzene-2,4,6-triol)propane-1-on(trivial name: Phloretin), 4-(2,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)resorcin (trivialname: Benzophenone-2) and 1-naphthol,

(C): 0.1 mass % or higher and 10 mass % or lower of one or morethickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide,xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl xanthan gum, dehydro xanthan gum andpolyquaternium-37, and

(D): water;

wherein the molar ratio of component (B2) to component (A), (B2)/(A), is0.1 or higher and 2.0 or lower,

wherein the pH of the hair cosmetic composition is 1.0 or higher and 3.0or lower in the case where the hair cosmetic composition is theone-agent type composition,

and wherein the pH of the first agent containing the component (B2) is2.5 or higher and 5.0 or lower in the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is the multi-agent type composition.

<39>

A hair cosmetic composition, which is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agents,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): 2.5 mass % or higher and 25 mass % or lower of one or morecompound(s) selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid,glyoxylic acid hydrate, glyoxylate salt and glyoxylamide,

(B3): 5 mass % or higher and 30 mass % or lower of one or more phenoliccompound(s) selected from the group consisting of catechin,epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, naringenin and equol,

(C): 0.1 mass % or higher and 10 mass % or lower of one or morethickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide,xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl xanthan gum, dehydro xanthan gum andpolyquaternium-37, and

(D): water;

wherein the molar ratio of component (B3) to component (A), (B3)/(A), is0.1 or higher and 2.0 or lower,

wherein the pH of the hair cosmetic composition is 1.0 or higher and 3.0or lower in the case where the hair cosmetic composition is theone-agent type composition,

and wherein the pH of the first agent containing the component (B3) is2.5 or higher and 5.0 or lower in the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is the multi-agent type composition.

<40>

A hair treatment method for semi-permanently or permanently deforminghair shape, the method comprising the following steps (i) and (ii):

(i) a step of applying a hair cosmetic composition; and

(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied;

wherein the hair cosmetic composition is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agents,

wherein the hair cosmetic composition totally comprising the followingcomponents (A) to (D):

(A): 2.5 mass % or higher and 25 mass % or lower of one or morecompound(s) selected from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid,glyoxylic acid hydrate, glyoxylate salt and glyoxylamide,

(B3): 5 mass % or higher and 30 mass % or lower of one or more phenoliccompound(s) selected from the group consisting of catechin,epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, naringenin and equol,

(C): 0.1 mass % or higher and 10 mass % or lower of one or morethickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide,xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl xanthan gum, dehydroxanthan gum andpolyquaternium-37, and

(D): water;

wherein the molar ratio of component (B3) to component (A), (B3)/(A), is0.1 or higher and 2.0 or lower,

wherein the pH of the hair cosmetic composition is 1.0 or higher and 3.0or lower in the case where the hair cosmetic composition is theone-agent type composition,

and wherein the pH of the first agent containing the component (B3) is2.5 or higher and 5.0 or lower in the case where the hair cosmeticcomposition is the multi-agent type composition.

<41>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <35>, <37> or <39>,wherein the amount of precursor is preferably 0.1 mass % or lower, morepreferably the composition contains substantially no precursor.

<42>

The hair treatment method as described in <36>, <38> or <40>, whereinthe amount of precursor in the hair cosmetic composition is preferably0.1 mass % or lower, more preferably the composition containssubstantially no precursor.

<43>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <35>, <37> or <39>,wherein the amount of boric acid and silicic acid is preferably 0.1 mass% or lower, more preferably the composition contains substantially noboric acid and silicic acid.

<44>

The hair treatment method as described in <36>, <38> or <40>, whereinthe amount of boric acid and silicic acid in the hair cosmeticcomposition is preferably 0.1 mass % or lower, more preferably thecomposition contains substantially no boric acid and silicic acid.

<45>

The hair cosmetic composition as described in <35>, <37> or <39>,wherein the amount of hair reducing agent is preferably 0.1 mass % orlower, more preferably the composition contains substantially no hairreducing agent.

<46>

The hair treatment method as described in <36>, <38> or <40>, whereinthe amount of hair reducing agent in the hair cosmetic composition ispreferably 0.1 mass % or lower, more preferably the composition containssubstantially no hair reducing agent.

<47>

Use of a hair cosmetic composition, which is a one-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent typehair cosmetic composition composed of multiple agent, and which totallycomprises the following components (A) to (D):

(A): one or more compounds selected from the group consisting ofglyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and aglyoxylamide;

(B): a phenolic compound having an electron-donating group on at leastone m-position, preferably two or three positions, and having a hydrogenatom on at least one of the o-positions and the p-position, wherein theelectron-donating group on the m-position may form, together with anadjacent carbon atom, a benzene ring optionally substituted withhydroxyl group(s);

(C): a thickening polymer, showing viscosity of 100 mPa·s or higher whenmeasured as a 10 mass % aqueous solution, at 20° C., within at least apart of pH region of 4 or lower, using a B-type viscometer; and

(D): water,

for semi-permanently or permanently deforming the shape of hair.

EXAMPLES Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1

One-agent type hair cosmetic compositions shown in Table 1 wereprepared. Shape-giving effect, handling performance (as easiness ofreleasing hair from heating rods), and touch feeling were evaluatedthrough the following procedures and on the basis of the followingcriteria. The results are also shown in Table 1. The pH of eachcomposition was obtained from a sample of the composition which was notdiluted after preparation and was measured at room temperature (25° C.)by means of a pH meter (model F-52, product of HORIBA).

<Semi-Permanent Curling (Shape Giving Effect)>

1. A 25-cm tress of Caucasian straight hair (untreated) (0.5 g) waswetted with tap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds, and the wetted hairtress was wound around a plastic rod (diameter: 14 mm), followed byfixing with a clip.

2. Onto the thus-wound hair tress, each hair cosmetic composition (1 g)was applied, and the hair tress wound over the rod was tightly wrappedby a plastic film. The sample was heated in an oven at 90° C. for 1hour.

3. The tress was removed from the oven, and cooled to room temperature.

4. The tress was removed from the rod, and was then rinsed with runningtap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds. Thereafter, a shampoo for assessmentwas lathered on the tress for 60 seconds.

5. The tress was rinsed with running tap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds,and immersed at an infinite bath ratio in tap water at 30° C. for 60seconds. Thereafter, the tress was gently pulled up out of the waterwhile holding the root thereof, and water was then drained off bylightly shaking it.

6. The hair tress sample was allowed to stand in a laboratory for 2hours, while the sample was suspended, and dried, followed by combing.Thereafter, the length of the hair tress sample perpendicularlysuspended (i.e., the distance from the root of the sample to a pointmost distant therefrom) was measured.

(Evaluation Criteria)

The percent decrease in tress length (I, %), obtained from the length ofthe untreated tress sample (L₀) and the length of the treated tresssample (L) by the following equation:

I=[(L ₀ −L)/L ₀]×100

was defined as the curl tightness.

The percent decrease in tress length (I₀), which was obtained from ahair cosmetic composition sample (Comparative Example 1) free ofcomponent (C), was employed as a standard. The percent decrease in tresslength (I_(c)), which was obtained from a hair cosmetic compositionsample (any of Examples 1 to 5) containing component (C) was determined,and the relative percentage (%) was determined by the followingequation:

Relative shape giving effect relative to the case of no component (C)(%)=(I _(c) /I ₀)×100.

<Handling Performance (Easiness of Releasing Hair from Heating Rod)>

Easiness of releasing a hair tress sample from a heating rod in step 4of the <Semi-permanent curling> was evaluated on the basis of thefollowing criteria.

(Evaluation criteria)5: Even easier to remove than untreated hair4: Easier to remove than untreated hair3: As easy as untreated hair2: More difficult to remove than untreated hair1: Even more difficult to remove than untreated hair<Touch Feeling after Treatment>

Touch feeling of a hair tress sample was evaluated by a hair tresssample immediately after <Semi-permanent curling (shape giving effect)>and evaluated on the basis of the suppleness of hair during touch withthe hand(s).

(Evaluation Criteria)

5: Very soft touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

4: Soft touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

3: Same touch feeling as that of untreated hair

2: Stiff touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

1: Very stiff touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

(Formulation of Shampoo for Assessment)

Components (mass %) Sodium laureth sulfate 15.5 Lauramide DEA 1.5 Sodiumbenzoate 0.5 EDTA-2Na 0.3 Phosphoric acid amount to pH 7 Deionized waterbalance Total 100

TABLE 1 Examples Comp. Ex. (mass %; active content) 1 2 3 4 5 1Formulation (B) Resorcin 30 30 30 30 30 30 [mass %] (A) Glyoxylic acid20 20 20 20 20 20 (C) Dehydroxanthan gum 0.5 1.0 1.5 — — — *1Polyacrylamide *2 — — — 2 — — Polyquaternium-37 *3 — — — — 5 — — Sodiumhydroxide *4 *4 *4 *4 *4 *4 (D) Deionized water bal bal bal bal bal balTotal 100 100 100 100 100 100 pH 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Molar ratio(B)/(A) 1 1 1 1 1 1 Relative shape giving effect 340 240 129 210 183standard (%) vs. Comp. Ex. 1 Handling performance (hair 3 3 4 3 3 1releasability from heating rod) Touch feeling after treatment 3 3 4 3 31 *1: Amaze XT (Akzo Nobel)/propylene glycol dispersion (polymercontent: 33 mass %) *2: Sepigel 305 (SEPPIC) *3: Synthalen CR (3 VSigma) *4: Amount for adjusting pH

Example 6 and Comparative Example 2

Two-agent type hair cosmetic compositions shown in Table 2 wereprepared. Shape giving effect, handling performance, and touch feelingwere evaluated through the following procedures and on the basis of thefollowing criteria. The results are also shown in Table 2.

<Semi-Permanent Curling (Shape Giving Effect)>

1. A 25-cm tress of Caucasian straight hair (untreated) (0.5 g) waswetted with tap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds, and the wetted hairtress was wound around a plastic rod (diameter: 14 mm), followed byfixing with a clip.

2. Onto the thus-wound hair tress, a first agent formulation (1 g) wasapplied, and the hair tress wound over the rod was tightly wrapped by aplastic film. The sample was heated in an oven at 90° C. for 1 hour.

3. The hair tress sample was removed from the oven and cooled to roomtemperature.

4. The tress was removed from the rod, and was then rinsed with runningtap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds. Thereafter, a shampoo for assessmentwas lathered on the tress for 60 seconds, and was then rinsed withrunning tap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds.

5. The wet hair tress was wound around a plastic rod (diameter: 14 mm)and fixed with a clip.

6. Onto the thus-wound hair tress, a second agent formulation (1 g) wasapplied, and the hair tress wound over the rod was tightly wrapped by aplastic film. The sample was heated in an oven at 90° C. for 1 hour.

7. The hair tress sample was removed from the oven and cooled to roomtemperature.

8. The hair tress sample was released from the rod and rinsed with aflow of tap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds. Then, a shampoo forassessment was lathered on the tress for 60 seconds.

9. The tress was rinsed with running tap water at 30° C. for 30 seconds,and immersed at an infinite bath ratio in tap water at 30° C. for 60seconds. Thereafter, the tress was gently pulled up out of the waterwhile holding the root thereof, and water was then drained off bylightly shaking it.

10. The hair tress sample was allowed to stand in a laboratory for 2hours, while the sample was suspended, and dried, followed by combing.Thereafter, the length of the hair tress sample perpendicularlysuspended (i.e., the distance from the root of the sample to a pointmost distant therefrom) was measured.

Notably, the aforementioned shampoo for assessment was also used.

The percent decrease in tress length (I, %), obtained from the length ofthe untreated tress sample (L₀) and the length of the treated tresssample (L) by the following equation:

I=[(L ₀ −L)/L ₀]×100

was defined as the curl tightness.

The percent decrease in tress length (I₀), which was obtained from ahair cosmetic composition sample (Comparative Example 2) free ofcomponent (C), was employed as a standard. The percent decrease in tresslength (I_(c)), which was obtained from a hair cosmetic compositionsample (Example 6) containing component (C) was determined, and therelative percentage (%) was determined by the following equation:

Relative shape giving effect relative to the case of no component (C)(%)=(I _(c) /I ₀)×100.

<Handling Performance (Easiness of Releasing Hair from Heating Rod)>

Easiness of releasing a hair tress sample from a heating rod in step 4of the <Semi-permanent curling> was evaluated on the basis of thefollowing criteria.

(Evaluation Criteria)

5: Even easier to remove than untreated hair4: Easier to remove than untreated hair3: As easy as untreated hair2: More difficult to remove than untreated hair1: Even more difficult to remove than untreated hair<Touch Feeling after Treatment>

Touch feeling of a hair tress sample was evaluated by a hair tresssample immediately after <Semi-permanent curling (shape giving effect)>and evaluated on the basis of the suppleness of hair during touch withthe hand(s).

(Evaluation Criteria)

5: Very soft touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

4: Soft touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

3: Same touch feeling as that of untreated hair

2: Stiff touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

1: Very stiff touch feeling as compared with untreated hair

TABLE 2 Example Comp. Ex. (mass %; active content) 6 2 First agentFormulation (B) (+)-Catechin 20 20 [mass %] (C) Dehydroxanthan 0.5 — gum(*1) — Ethanol 40 40 Sodium *4 *4 hydroxide (D) Deionized water bal balTotal 100 100 pH 4.0 4.0 Second Formulation (A) Glyoxylic acid 20 20agent [mass %] (C) Dehydroxanthan 0.5 — gum (*1) — Sodium *4 *4hydroxide (D) Deionized water bal bal Total 100 100 pH 2.0 2.0 Molarratio (B)/(A) 0.25 0.25 Relative shape giving effect (%) vs. Comp. Ex. 2116.0 standard Handling performance (hair releasability 3 1 from heatingrod) Touch feeling after treatment 3 1 (*1): Amaze XT (AkzoNobel)/propylene glycol dispersion (polymer content: 33 mass %) *4:Amount for adjusting pH

Examples 7 and 8, and Comparative Example 3

Hair cosmetic compositions shown in Table 3 were prepared, and handlingperformance and touch feeling were evaluated through the same methods asemployed in the case of the hair cosmetic compositions shown in Table 2.

The samples of Examples 7 and 8 attained high shape giving effect, butthe sample of Comparative Example 3, free from component (C), wasexcessively dried. As a result, the hair tress was broken during removalof the sample from the heating rod. Thus, the relative shape givingeffect of the sample containing no component (C) was not evaluated.

TABLE 3 Example Comp. Ex. (mass %; active content) 7 8 3 FirstFormulation (B) 4-(1-Phenylethyl) 20 20 20 agent [mass %] — Ethanol 4040 40 Sodium hydroxide *4 *4 *4 (D) Deionized water bal bal bal Total100  100  100  pH   4.0   4.0   4.0 Second Formulation (A) Glyoxylicacid 20 20 20 agent [mass %] (C) Dehydroxanthan gum *1   1.3   2.6 — —Sodium hydroxide *4 *4 *4 (D) Deionized water bal bal bal Total 100 100  100  pH   2.0   2.0   2.0 Molar ratio (B)/(A)    0.34    0.34   0.34 Handling performance (hair releasability from heating rod)  3  4 1 Touch feeling after treatment  3  4  1 *1: Amaze XT (AkzoNobel)/propylene glycol dispersion (polymer content: 33 mass %) *4:Amount for adjusting pH

1. A hair cosmetic composition, which is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition composed of a single agent, or a multi-agent type haircosmetic composition composed of multiple agent, wherein the haircosmetic composition totally comprising the following components (A) to(D): (A): one or more compounds selected from the group consisting ofglyoxylic acid, a glyoxylic acid hydrate, a glyoxylate salt, and aglyoxylamide; (B): one or more phenolic compounds selected fromcomponent (B1), (B2) and (B3): (B1): resorcin; (B2): a compound offormula (1) as defined below; (B3): a compound of formula (2) as definedbelow; (C): a thickening polymer showing viscosity of 100 mPa·s orhigher when measured as a 10 mass % aqueous solution, at 20° C., withinat least a part of pH region of 4 or lower, and using a B-typeviscometer; and (D): water:

wherein: R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; A¹ and A²,which may be identical to or different from each other, each represent ahydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl oralkenyl group, an optionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl orarylalkenyl group, a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy oralkenyloxy group, a halogen atom, or —CO—R², wherein R² represents a C1to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, anoptionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl or arylalkenyl group, or anoptionally substituted C6 to C12 aromatic hydrocarbon group; Brepresents a hydrogen atom, a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chainalkyl or alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C7 to C12 aralkyl orarylalkenyl group, or —OR³ or —COOR³, wherein R³ represents a hydrogenatom or a C1 to C6 linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenylgroup; D represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methyl group,or a C1 to C12 linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxygroup; and E represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1 to C6linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or a C1 to C6linear-chain or branched-chain alkoxy or alkenyloxy group, wherein twoor three of A¹, A², B, and E each are a hydrogen atom, with each ofremaining being a group which is not a sulfo group, and in the casewhere D is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, A¹ and B, or A² and B forman optionally hydroxyl group-substituted benzene ring with two adjacentcarbon atoms;

wherein, R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; X represents ahydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group; Y represents ahydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group; Zrepresents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C5 linear-chain or branched-chainalkyl or alkenyl group; R^(x) represents a hydrogen atom, an oxygenatom, a hydroxy group, a methoxy group, or an aromatic hydrocarbongroup, which is optionally substituted with up to three hydroxy groupsor methoxy groups and which optionally forms a condensed ring with1,3-dioxolane; R^(y) represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, amethoxy group, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, which is optionallysubstituted with up to three hydroxy groups or methoxy groups and whichoptionally forms a condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane, or anarylcarbonyloxy group or aralkylcarbonyloxy group, which is optionallysubstituted with up to three hydroxy groups or methoxy groups; a dottedline portion may be a double bond; each of the combinations of thedotted line and the solid line being adjacent to R^(x) or Y denotes adouble bond in the case where R^(x) or Y is an oxygen atom, and denotesa single bond in the other cases; and Z represents a C1 to C5linear-chain or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group, only when R^(x)or R^(y) is an o,p-dihydroxyaromatic hydrocarbon group, and represents ahydrogen atom in the other cases.
 2. The hair cosmetic compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein component (C) is a thickening polymer,which shows viscosity of 100 mPa·s or higher when measured as a 1 mass %aqueous solution, at 20° C., within at least a part of pH region of 4 orlower, using a B-type viscometer.
 3. The hair cosmetic compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of component (B) tocomponent (A), (B)/(A), of the hair cosmetic composition applied to hairis 0.001 or higher and lower than 2.5.
 4. The hair cosmetic compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the component (A) content, in terms ofglyoxylic acid, in the total hair cosmetic composition is 1 mass % orhigher and 30 mass % or lower.
 5. The hair cosmetic compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the component (B) content in the totalhair cosmetic composition is 0.2 mass % or higher and 30 mass % orlower.
 6. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1, whereinthe glyoxylamide of component (A) is N-glyoxyloylcarbocysteine orN-glyoxyloylkeratinamino acid.
 7. The hair cosmetic compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein component (B) is component (B2)


8. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein component(B) is component (B3)


9. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein component(B) is component (B1), which is resorcin.
 10. The hair cosmeticcomposition according to claim 1, wherein component (C) is one or morespecies selected from the group consisting of a nonionic polymer, ananionic polymer, a cationic polymer, and an amphoteric polymer.
 11. Thehair cosmetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the total amountof component reducing hair protein, relative to the total hair cosmeticcomposition, is lower than 0.1 mass %.
 12. The hair cosmetic compositionaccording to claim 1, which is a one-agent type hair cosmeticcomposition.
 13. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 12,which has a pH of 4.0 or lower.
 14. The hair cosmetic compositionaccording to claim 12, wherein the component (C) content in the totalhair cosmetic composition is 0.01 mass % or higher and 15 mass % orlower.
 15. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 1, which isa multi-agent type composition comprising a first agent containingcomponents (B) and (D), and a second agent containing components (A) and(D), wherein component (C) is contained in the first agent and/or thesecond agent.
 16. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 15,wherein the second agent has a pH of 4.0 or lower.
 17. The hair cosmeticcomposition according to claim 15, wherein the component (C) content inrespectively the first agent and the second agent, relative to the totalcomposition of respectively the first and second agent, is 0.01 mass %or higher and 15 mass % or lower.
 18. A hair treatment method forsemi-permanently or permanently deforming the shape of hair, the methodcomprising the following steps (i) and (ii); (i) a step of applying thehair cosmetic composition as recited in claim 12 to hair; and (ii) astep of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.
 19. A hair treatment method for semi-permanentlyor permanently deforming the shape of hair, the method comprising thefollowing steps (i) and (ii); (i) a step of mixing the first agent andthe second agent of the hair cosmetic composition as recited in claim 15and applying the obtained hair cosmetic composition to hair; and (ii) astep of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.
 20. A hair treatment method for semi-permanentlyor permanently deforming the shape of hair, the method comprising thefollowing steps (i) and (ii); (i) a step of applying the first agent ofthe hair cosmetic composition according to claim 15 to the hair, thenapplying the second agent of the hair cosmetic composition according toclaim 15 onto the portion of hair where the first agent was applied; and(ii) a step of heating and shaping the hair to which the hair cosmeticcomposition is applied.
 21. The hair treatment method according to claim20, comprising a step of rinsing the first agent in the step (i), afterapplying the first agent to the hair, and before applying the secondagent onto the portion of hair where the first agent was applied. 22.The hair treatment method according to claim 21, comprising a step ofallowing the hair to stand for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or less afterapplying the first agent to the hair, and before rinsing the firstagent.
 23. The hair treatment method according to claim 18, comprising astep of allowing the hair to stand to which the hair cosmeticcomposition has been applied, for 1 minute or more and 1 hour or lessafter the step (i).
 24. The hair treatment method according to claim 18,comprising a step of wetting hair before the step (i).
 25. The hairtreatment method according to claim 18, wherein the heating temperaturein the step (ii) is 50° C. or higher and 250° C. or lower.
 26. The hairtreatment method according to claim 18, wherein the step (ii) isperformed under the conditions where evaporation of water is suppressed.27. The hair treatment method according to claim 18, which methodincludes no step of applying, to the hair, a hair cosmetic compositioncontaining a reducing agent or a strongly alkaline hair treatment agenthaving a pH of 12 or higher and 14 or lower to the hair.
 28. The hairtreatment method according to claim 18, comprising a step of heating andre-deforming the shape of hair to different shape after the step (ii).29. The hair cosmetic composition according to claim 10, whereincomponent (C) is one or more species selected from the group consistingof an anionic polymer and a cationic polymer.
 30. The hair cosmeticcomposition according to claim 15, wherein the first agent has a pH of6.0 or lower.